Underwood is replacing Katy Perry as a judge for Season 23, serving alongside returning judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. However, while many fans are excited for the season, Underwood’s involvement has also been met with backlash after she performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

Carrie Underwood embraced her full circle transformation from American Idol hopeful to her return to the show as a judge. Underwood shared two side-by-side photos on Instagram on Sunday (February 9),

While Carrie Underwood is often in the spotlight for her career, she prefers to keep her personal life more private.

Carrie Underwood, who was crowned the winner of 'American Idol' Season 4 in 2005, returns as a judge in Season 23

It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Carrie Underwood broke into the music scene after winning the fourth season of American Idol. Now, she's returning as a judge on the hit singing show and to celebrate the impending new season,

It’s mind-blowing that it’s been 20 years since Carrie Underwood first auditioned and won American Idol. Now, the famed country singer will come back to the reality competition series audition room as a new replacement judge for Katy Perry.