Summary

• Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are excited to have country music superstar and American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood them as a judge on American Idol season 23.
• Carrie's success story after winning American Idol season 4, with 85 million records sold worldwide and multiple awards, proves that she's the right choice to judge the American Idol season 23 contestants.
• Carrie is the perfect replacement for exiting judge Katy Perry.

American Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are thrilled that country music superstar Carrie Underwood will be ing them on the judging after Katy Perry's exit, and Carrie will make the perfect judge for the reality singing competition series. Carrie is returning home to American Idol twenty years after she won season 4. During her run on the show, she blew everyone away with her phenomenal performances, including the standout "Alone" by Heart, after which judge Simon Cowell predicted that, not only would she win the show, but she'd sell more records than any other previous winner.

After winning American Idol season 4, Carrie skyrocketed to superstardom. As Simon foresaw, Carrie has become one of American Idol's greatest success stories, with 85 million records sold worldwide, 28 #1 singles, 8 Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, 10 People's Choice Awards, and 7 CMA Awards. As Carrie prepares to return to American Idol for season 23 as a judge alongside Luke and Lionel, here's what they're saying about her, and why she'll be ideal for the show.

Luke Bryan Thinks Carrie Underwood Will Need A "Therapist"

The Country Music Star Jokes That Carrie Will Have To Put Up With Him & Lionel

American Idol judge Luke had some funny advice for Carrie when asked about her ing the show. In an interview with Seattle radio host Gabe Mercer, shared via People, Luke said that Carrie should "up her therapist." He joked, "If she has a therapist, she’s probably going to have to double to deal with me and Lionel." Luke continued the joke by saying that he'd pay for Carrie's therapy himself. He said, "Maybe I should credit her. Do therapists do gift cards where I can call her therapist and gift her a voucher?"

Luke was just kidding, but he, Katy, and Lionel did have some zany moments together throughout their American Idol run as judges. Katy was able to keep up with Luke, and their antics were hilarious. It's a good thing that Carrie has a funny personality as well, as evidenced by her comedic banter with Brad Paisley when they hosted the CMA Awards together. She'll fit right in with Luke and his silly personality. Carrie is quick-witted and very smart, and she'll definitely give Luke a run for his money on the show.

Lionel Richie Shared His Thoughts About Carrie ing The Judging

Lionel Thinks Carrie Understands American Idol "Better Than Anyone"

Lionel also shared his thoughts about Carrie coming on board as an American Idol season 23 judge. In an interview with FOX News, he explained that Carrie would be a different judge than Katy because "everyone is different than Katy." Lionel emphasized that he doesn't want Carrie to try to be like Katy because everyone brings something different to the judging . He said, "There's only one Katy… let me just make that statement clear. I want Carrie to come in and find her person out there, her person. I'm very happy they got Carrie, because… we want someone who is going to bring their light to the table."

It's certainly true that there's only one Katy. When she first announced her American Idol exit, it seemed impossible that she could be replaced, but Carrie was the best person to take on the role. While she and Katy are both amazing singers and performers, they're very different. Katy is known for her outrageous antics, while Carrie is more reserved and shy.

However, both Katy and Carrie are honest, kind, and sincere, and they genuinely care about people. At the same time, Carrie won't be trying to be a carbon copy of Katy, so fans won't be constantly comparing them. Carrie will hold her own at the judging table and make the job her own.

Lionel also acknowledged Carrie's experience with American Idol. He said that she's "the perfect fit." Lionel explained, "Carrie understands this better than anyone. She came from here. This is where she started… So, we welcome her… Her addition to this show is going to be amazing." Lionel added, "She knows exactly what this navigation is all about… She'll be able to mentor all the way through and even to the point of the winners."

Carrie will definitely be a fantastic judge because of her American Idol journey. She's the first American Idol alum to be a full-time judge. During her extraordinary American Idol season 4 run, Carrie even earned the praise of Simon Cowell, who was the harshest judge in the show's history. By going through that experience, Carrie learned how to take criticism and apply it to her performances.

As an American Idol judge, Carrie will what it was like to have to listen to critiques from the judges in front of so many people, so it will help her to be a more understanding judge. Carrie's experience from auditioning for the show to becoming a superstar will help her to guide the newest contestants. Carrie was the best choice for the job.

Carrie Underwood's Entering The Lion's Den

Carrie Is Following In The Footsteps Of Many Memorable American Idol Judges

Not only is Carrie taking Katy's place at the American Idol judging table, but she's also the next judge in a long line of people who've left their mark on the show. The original American Idol judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, discovered Carrie. They made the show what it is today, and fans still look back on their legacy.

Other American Idol judges have included Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Harry Connick, Jr. All of these judges had different personalities and some were better at the job than others. Some offered harsh critiques, while others were more gentle. Carrie has a kind personality that will allow her to be a cheerleader for the contestants, while also giving them constructive criticism when necessary.

Carrie Underwood Will Be An Amazing Judge

Carrie Was The Perfect Choice To Replace Katy

Carrie was the ideal choice to replace Katy Perry for American Idol season 23. Not only does she have the experience with the show and tremendous success after it, but she's a genuine person who will bring her own special magic to the judging . In addition, she truly loves American Idol, and has always given it credit for starting her incredible career. In an interview with Good Morning America, (shared via Instagram), she said that the show "feels like home."

During American Idol season 20, Carrie served as a mentor for the Top 5 contestants, and they sang her songs. She was very sweet to them, and helped guide them in the right direction with her expertise. This was a great preview of how Carrie will be as a judge. She even became emotional when she met eventual winner Noah Thompson. Carrie said that American Idol was created for people like her and Noah who didn't know that they could dream that big.

Carrie added that it was a beautiful thing, and her decision to audition for the show changed her entire life. Even after all of her success, Carrie is still in awe of what the show can do for its contestants, which will make her an enthusiastic judge who truly believes in the show. This is so important when searching for the next American Idol superstar.

In her Good Morning America interview, Carrie said that, as a judge, she hopes to offer "insight and help" to the contestants. She added that she can't lie. Carrie said, "I feel like I'll be very honest, but hopefully I can be very constructive and encouraging." She also shared that she wouldn't be hard on the contestants.

From the silly to the serious, Luke and Lionel's comments show that they're both very excited to have the country music superstar them. Carrie was the perfect choice to replace Katy. As an American Idol winner, she knows what it takes for contestants to go all the way in the competition, and she can help guide them on that path. In addition, as one of the most successful alums of all time, Carrie also knows how to continue the momentum post-show. Carrie is a gifted singer and an all-around wonderful person. American Idol season 23 is going to be magical because of her.

American Idol is available to stream on Hulu.

Sources: People, FOX News, American Idol/Instagram, Good Morning America/Instagram