I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show. I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since.”

Underwood won season four of the reality singing competition in 2005 and went on to sell 85 million records and take home eight Grammys.

The addition of the country singer to Idol will bring an aspect that has yet to be seen on set.

“Carrie Underwood is the first American Idol alum ever to join the judging panel. Her global superstar status as the most successful Idol winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show. She embodies the true spirit of Idol as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story. Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way. Carrie has always been a strong supporter of Idol, and I’m thrilled for her to be reunited with our Idol Family,” Megan Wolflick, showrunner and executive producer of the series, said in a statement, according to the New York Post.

Underwood will join judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan and host Ryan Seacrest for the upcoming season of American Idol. Auditions are set to begin August 12, while the new season will premiere in spring 2025.