Entertainment
She replaces former judge Katy Perry.
ABC will formally announce the singersIdolreturn in August, as per the outlet.
The country music star won the fourth season ofAmerican Idolin 2005.
The singer has alsowon eight Grammysand 16 Academy of Country Music awards.
He joinedAmerican Idolalongside Richie in Season 16 when ABC revived the long-running talent competition.
Perry joined the panel in 2018 and later announced she would be leaving in early 2024 after seven seasons.
Appearing onJimmy Kimmel Live in February, theWomans Worldsinger cited her busier schedule as the reason for her departure.
Fans now know Perry was referring to her upcoming studio album,143, whichdrops on Sept. 20.
The release will follow hernext single Lifetimes,which debuts on Aug. 9 with a music video.
This September, Im going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio.
So I think this will probably be my last season forIdol.
Its connected me with the heart of America.
But I need to feel that pulse of my own beat, Perry continued.
