Carrie Underwood Celebrates 20 Years Since ‘American Idol’ Win as Judge

Nashville, TN – Carrie Underwood marked a significant milestone last month when she returned to ‘American Idol‘ as a judge, 20 years after winning the competition. Underwood joined fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for the show’s 23rd season, which premiered on March 9.

Underwood first captured the nation’s attention as a contestant in 2005 during the fourth season of ‘American Idol,’ where she showcased her powerful voice and stage presence. Judge Simon Cowell famously predicted her success, stating, ‘Not only will you win this show, you will sell more records than any other previous Idol winner.’ His prediction came true when Underwood went on to sell more than 85 million records worldwide, making her the best-selling ‘American Idol’ winner to date.

Underwood’s journey began when she earned a million-dollar recording contract after her victory in the finale on May 25, 2005. She released her debut single, ‘Inside Your Heaven,’ which became the first to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album, ‘Some Hearts,’ released later that year, topped the Country Albums Chart and was certified platinum nine times by the RIAA.

The 2006 Grammy Awards saw Underwood win two prestigious awards for best new artist and best female country performance. ‘Some Hearts’ featured hit singles including ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ and ‘Before He Cheats,’ further solidifying her status as a country music superstar.

In the years following her debut, Underwood has released several successful albums, including ‘Carnival Ride,’ ‘Play On,’ and ‘Blown Away,’ each contributing to her numerous accolades, including seven Grammy Awards. By 2018, she had made history as the first female artist to reach number one on the Billboard 200 with four country albums.

Beyond her music, Underwood has continually emphasized her roots. Reflecting on her experience on ‘American Idol,’ Underwood stated, ‘I’m proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.’ She has remained committed to her faith and personal values, often showcasing these elements in her performances and projects.

Most recently, Underwood honored her love for her country by performing ‘America the Beautiful’ at the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. Expressing her gratitude, she noted, ‘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.’

As ‘American Idol’s’ first episode of the season aired, viewers were treated to her evolving story—from a shy contestant to a confident judge, inspiring new generations of artists.