Katy Perry says Carrie Underwood will ace 'American Idol' as her replacement: 'She was born on that show'
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Katy Perry may have stepped away from 'American Idol', but she has no doubt the show is in good hands with Carrie Underwood taking her place.
The 'Firework' singer recently shared her thoughts on the country star’s new role as a judge, expressing confidence in Underwood’s ability to guide aspiring artists, Billboard reported.
Katy Perry bids farewell to 'American Idol' as Carrie Underwood joins judges' panel
“She was born on that show,” Katy Perry told People. “I think she knows how to steer it.”
Underwood’s addition to the judges’ panel — alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan — was announced in August 2024, just months after Perry confirmed her departure during an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in February.
“I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat, you what I’m saying Jimmy?"
At the time, Perry explained her decision, saying, “I love the show so much, but I want to go see the world and maybe bring new music.”
On another 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' episode, Lionel Richie mentioned, "The reason I love coming on the show with you and the reason I’m doing 'American Idol' is because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things that I’ve done. And so when Katy says, ‘I want to go and create some stories,' remember, she’s young. But the point is that you have to take some time and actually be an artist," he said, adding that it "makes sense."
For Perry, Underwood’s firsthand experience as a former 'Idol' contestant brings something unique to the table.
“She actually truly knows … what it feels like to be in [the contestants’] shoes,” she noted. “We could only metaphorically feel that as judges.”
"As artists, we've been in some sort of their shoes, but she has lived every single day," Perry said, adding, "So I think she's going to have a lot to offer anyone that's willing to listen."
Carrie Underwood calls 'American Idol' ‘home’ amid mixed reactions
Carrie Underwood, who won 'American Idol’s fourth season in 2005, echoed similar sentiments in an interview with 'Good Morning America', calling the show “home.”
She shared, “I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help.”
She also promised to be an honest yet constructive mentor for contestants. “I can’t lie. I just can’t,” she admitted.
“You can tell. I feel like I’ll be very honest, but hopefully, you know, I can be very constructive and encouraging," she said.
Perry’s praise for Underwood comes amid a wave of mixed reactions surrounding the country star’s decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony earlier this month.
Underwood sang 'America the Beautiful' a cappella after technical difficulties disrupted her backing music.
Addressing the controversy, she explained, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.”
She added, “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
