Relive Carrie Underwood's 'American Idol' Journey In Photos

Carrie Underwood fueled America’s nostalgia when she confirmed she would return to American Idol as a judge 20 years after her own victory on the show.

Underwood left her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma, ready to compete on the fourth season of the original American Idol. She went to the finale with Bo Bice, and went on to win the season in 2005. That moment launched Underwood’s massively successful career as a powerhouse country singer-songwriter. She’s sold more than 85 million records worldwide, released 28 No. 1 singles, collected eight Grammy Awards, 17 American Music Awards, 10 People’s Choice Awards, seven CMA Awards, become the only female artist to win ACM Entertainer of the Year three times, become the most-awarded artist at the CMT Music Awards, among other major awards.

Over the past two decades, Underwood has released several country albums, a gospel collection (My Savior) and Christmas music (My Gift), among many other projects. She released her debut full-length album, Some Hearts, in 2005, followed by Carnival Ride, Blown Away, Play On, Storyteller, Cry Pretty and Denim & Rhinestones, among other projects and cross-genre collaborations over the years (for example, a duet with rockers Papa Roach with a purposeful message). Underwood has put her career-spanning hits on breathtaking display in her live performances, whether it’s in intimate venues, massive arenas or in her jaw-dropping Las Vegas residency.

“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” Underwood said in a video when she confirmed she would return to American Idol as a judge, alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Longtime host Ryan Seacrest, who revealed Underwood as the winner of the show in 2005, also shared a heartfelt tribute to the “full-circle moment.” “I’m proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since,” Underwood said.

“It feels like home,” the “Jesus, Take the Wheel” artist said of her return to American Idol when she appeared on Good Morning America one day after making her announcement. “There’s so many people that even still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant…and I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help [contestants].”

Underwood will make her debut as an American Idol judge in spring 2025. Before the new season of Idol premieres, take a look back at Underwood’s Idol days (including as a contestant and returning in later years as a performer) below.