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HI-RES IMAGE HERE

Nashville, TN – (March 17, 2025) – Platinum-selling artist and CMA Award winner Cody Johnson and 8-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood have reached the top spot at country radio this week, peaking “I’m Gonna Love You” at #1. The monster hit becomes the 4^th #1 single of Cody’s career and the 29^th for Carrie. The song, written by Chris Stevens, Kelly Archer, and Travis Denning, has garnered 200 million global streams and appears on Cody’s Leather Deluxe album. Get the song HERE.

Music critics have praised “I’m Gonna Love You” claiming it as a ‘classic country duet’ blending Cody’s ‘charismatic baritone’ with Carrie’s ‘commanding delivery.’ The pair performed it on the “58^th Annual CMA Awards,” where Cody took home the coveted Album of The Year award for Leather. Just last month, Carrie made a surprise appearance at one of Cody’s two-sold out concerts at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to deliver the song live for the fans. Watch the “I’m Gonna Love You” music video, shot in Wells, Nevada by award-winning director Dustin Haney, HERE. 

Cody is currently overseas on tour having just completed three shows during the C2C Festival and will launch headline dates in Australia and New Zealand later this week. He will resume his Leather Deluxe Tour across the U.S. on April 25 & 26 at the CAJUNDOME in Lafayette, LA. 

Carrie made her debut this month joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the judges panel of “American Idol,” airing on ABC and Hulu, which marks the 20^th anniversary of her winning the title. She continues her run as the first and longest resident at Resorts World Theatre in REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency through April 12, and her concert special, “CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION,” is now streaming worldwide on Hulu and Disney+. 

The One-Hour Holiday-Themed Variety Show Taped at Nashville’s Historic Grand Ole Opry Also Features Special Appearances by Mikey Day, Noah Kahan, Martina McBride, Ashley Padilla, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Derrick Stroup, and the Tennessee Titans

December 16, 2024 – Carrie joins GRAMMY® nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze for his first primetime special, as he guides audiences through a mix of stand-up comedy, pre-taped comedy shorts, sketches and musical performances in NATE BARGATZE’S NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS. This one-hour holiday-themed variety show will air on the CBS Television Network Thursday, Dec. 19 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and stream on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs)*.

Taped at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry, NATE BARGATZE’S NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS will shine a spotlight on the spirit of the city during the holiday season, highlighting family, fun and feel-good moments for audiences of all ages. Bargatze returns to the Grand Ole Opry, a venue of personal significance, now headlining a show on its iconic stage after having swept floors there as a teenager.

In addition to Underwood who performs a Christmas classic, the special features appearances by Mikey Day (Saturday Night Live), Noah Kahan, Martina McBride, Ashley Padilla (Saturday Night Live), Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Derrick Stroup, and the Tennessee Titans.

NATE BARGATZE’S NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS is executive produced by Lorne Michaels, Nate Bargatze, Erin David and Andrew Singer of Broadway Video, and Tim Sarkes & Alex Murray of Brillstein Entertainment.

Click here for preview video

‘THE OSCARS^®’ MARCH 2 ON ABC

Original Episode Will Feature First Look at New Judging Panel and Auditions 

Today, ABC announced that it will air a special preview of “American Idol,” television’s most iconic music competition series, following the live telecast of “The Oscars^®” SUNDAY, MARCH 2, on ABC and next day on Hulu. Ahead of the new season premiere on March 9, viewers will get to see the new judging panel comprised of season four 2005 winner and eight-time GRAMMY^® Award winner Carrie Underwood, alongside fellow music industry icons Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and longtime host Ryan Seacrest, as hopefuls audition to become the nation’s next superstar.

Since it began airing on ABC, “American Idol” has been a top unscripted series on ABC in Total Viewers. “American Idol” ranked as the No. 1 most social entertainment series on broadcast or cable in the 2023-2024 TV season with over 66 million total social interactions. (Source: Talkwalker Social Content Ratings; based on total social interactions for primetime entertainment series; excludes sports and wrestling; 9/25/23-5/24/24.)

The eighth season of “American Idol” on ABC and the franchise’s 23^rd season overall officially premieres with a two-hour episode SUNDAY, MARCH 9 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT/PDT), and airs next day on Hulu.

As previously announced, Emmy^® Award-winning television host, writer, producer and comedian Conan O’Brien will host “The Oscars,” which will air live coast to coast SUNDAY, MARCH 2 (7:00-10:30 p.m. EST/4:00-7:30 p.m. PST), on ABC. The telecast will also be rebroadcast in the Pacific Time zone in primetime after the live presentation. 

“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.

The #1 New Year’s Eve Destination Airs LIVE Tues, Dec. 31, Beginning at 8/7c on ABC

Link to hi-res images HERE

Los Angeles, CA (December 5, 2024) – Today, ABC and Dick Clark Productions announced its highly-anticipated New York lineup for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025,” the nation’s most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration. Ryan Seacrest, marking his 20th year as host, will return alongside co-host Rita Ora to lead the festivities from New York’s Times Square, with an all-star roster of artists including Carrie Underwood performing before the ball drops at midnight, as well as Megan Moroney and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Multi-hyphenate Dayanara Torres will return as co-host in Puerto Rico. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025,” will air Tuesday, December 31, live on ABC beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST and stream next day on Hulu.

Underwood says, “I have such fun memories of performing on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square in both 2007 and 2015, and I’m so excited to perform just before the ball drops again this year.  I’m thrilled to celebrate 20 years since winning ‘American Idol’ by joining Ryan as he hosts his 20th New Year’s Eve in Times Square.”

Performers Highlights

• Marking 20 years since her 2005 life-changing “American Idol” win, new “Idol” judge and 8-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwoodwill perform a medley of some of her biggest hits live in Times Square just before midnight.

The No. 1 New Year’s Eve programming special each year, ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024” attracted 22.2 Million Total Viewers at midnight.

The show, which marks its 54^th year, celebrates the year’s very best in music with hours of dynamic performances, America’s favorite personalities and a look at New Year’s celebrations around the globe. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025” is produced by Dick Clark Productions with Ryan Seacrest, Michael Dempsey and Barry Adelman serving as executive producers.

Follow “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and Threads, join the conversation with #RockinEve and get the latest news and updates at NewYearsRockinEve.com.

 

Underwood’s Spectacular ‘REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency’ Filmed at Resorts World Theatre Ahead of Final Shows

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In celebration of her critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency show “REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency,” eight-time GRAMMY^® Award winner Carrie Underwood will showcase her highly successful career as a worldwide superstar in a concert special coming exclusively to Hulu in January. “CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION”will give audiences a front-row seat at the larger-than-life show Underwood has performed during her three-year plus run at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas. Underwood recently announced that she will conclude her reign as the venue’s first and longest-running headliner on April 12, 2025.

“CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION” captures a one-of-a-kind production conceived by Underwood specifically for Las Vegas to celebrate highlights of her career. The show features her greatest hits from nearly 20 years as an award-winning international recording and touring artist, including 14 No. 1 hits and songs from eight of her studio albums. “REFLECTION” brings beloved fan favorites to life in a whole new way, utilizing spectacular special effects, pyrotechnics and state-of-the-art visual and audio technology with extravagant set pieces that couldn’t be packed up and moved from city to city on tour, including a show-stopping elevating waterfall feature to close the show. Underwood takes the entertainment value to new heights as she is joined onstage by her band, dancers, aerialists and a special virtual orchestra in a high-energy production that combines the spirit of Nashville and the glitz, glamour and spectacle Las Vegas audiences have come to expect.

Underwood’s “REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency” marked the first-ever residency at Resorts World in Las Vegas and has been a highly touted, must-watch show since December 2021. For tickets or more information on Underwood’s residency and final performances in March and April 2025, please visit axs.com/carrieinvegas.

Twenty years after winning the title herself, Underwood recently joined television’s most widely recognized music competition series “American Idol” as the first-ever alum on the judging panel, alongside fellow music industry icons Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and longtime host Ryan Seacrest. The franchise’s 23^rd overall season premieres on March 9, 2025, on ABC, next day on Hulu.

“CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION” is executive produced by Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks for Playtone, along with Underwood and Ann Edelblute. It is co-executive produced by Frank Garritano and directed by Beth McCarthy-Miller.

About Hulu

Hulu is the leading and most comprehensive all-in-one premium streaming service that offers an expansive slate of live and on-demand entertainment, both in and outside the home, through a wide array of subscription options that give consumers ultimate control over their viewing experience. As part of the Disney Entertainment segment, Hulu is the only on-demand offering that provides access to shows from every major U.S. broadcast network, libraries of hit TV series and films – including licensed content available exclusively on Hulu – and award-winning Hulu Originals, both with and without commercials. With Hulu + Live TV, subscribers receive a unique combination of access to 90+ live news, entertainment and sports TV channels from 20th Television, The Walt Disney Company, ABC, NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation, The CW, Turner Networks, A+E Networks and Discovery Networks, as well as Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+ included as part of the base plan. Visit hulu.com to subscribe or learn more about the service.

About “REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency”

The first artist to grace the Resorts World Theatre stage, Carrie Underwood opened the doors of the 5,000-capacity, world-class theatre with a sold-out premiere in December 2021. Exclusively designed for the state-of-the-art venue, REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency quickly became a must-see show in Las Vegas garnering rave reviews by critics and fans alike and selling out numerous runs throughout the three-year run. For more information on these performances or to purchase tickets, visit AXS.com/carrieinvegas.

About Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film, and as a New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. She has sold more than 85 million records worldwide, recorded 28 #1 singles (14 of which she co-wrote), is the most-awarded female country artist for singles in RIAA history, and has seven albums that are certified Multi-Platinum or Platinum by the RIAA, with over 72 million total RIAA certifications to date, all while continuing to sell out arena tours across North America and the UK. All 10 of her albums (including nine studio albums and her 2014 Greatest Hits: Decade #1) – three of which she co-produced – have debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 chart for all genres, beginning with her 9x platinum debut album, Some Hearts, which was released in 2005. She has won over 100 major awards including 8 GRAMMY® Awards, 16 ACM Awards including three for Entertainer of the Year (the first female in history to win twice and the only female ever to win three times), 25 CMT Music Awards (holding the record for the most award wins ever for the show), 17 American Music Awards, 10 People’s Choice Awards, and 7 CMA Awards. She has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2008 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. She has also built a successful business portfolio inspired by her passion for health and wellness. She founded and created the fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, and her first book, FIND YOUR PATH was an instant New York Times bestseller. She launched her popular fitness app, fit52, in 2020, and expanded her lifestyle portfolio with an equity partnership with BODYARMOR Sports Drink in 2021. Carrie has starred in the show open for NBC’s Sunday Night Football for 12consecutive seasons. In 2021, she became the first artist to perform at the Resorts World Theatre, where her ongoing REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency continues to play to packed houses through April 2025. A deluxe edition of her album, Denim & Rhinestones which she co-produced, is out now. Carrie launched her exclusive year-round SiriusXM channel, CARRIE’S COUNTRY, in June 2023. Earlier this year, Carrie created two additional channels, CARR-DIO by CARRIE’S COUNTRY and SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRY, both of which stream exclusively on the SiriusXM app. Carrie has recorded collaborations throughout her career showcasing her vocal versatility with a diverse list of artists spanning genres from Rock, Pop, R&B, Country, Gospel, Latin, and Hip-Hopincluding Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, John Legend, Brad Paisley, CeCe Winans, David Bisbal, Ludacris, Miranda Lambert, NEEDTOBREATHE, Papa Roach, Elvis Presley, and more. In Spring 2025, Carrie joins the judging panel for “American Idol,” for the hit show’s eighth season on ABC and Hulu. Her return to television’s most widely recognized music competition celebrates the 20^th anniversary of winning the title, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as judges and longtime host Ryan Seacrest.

Underwood Will Take Her Final Bow for REFLECTION on the Resorts World Theatre
Stage on April 12, 2025

Tickets for Her Final Three Shows on April 9, 11 & 12 Go on Sale Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT

LAS VEGAS, NV (OCTOBER 15, 2024) – Following her highly successful three-year-plus run and multiple sold-out shows, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner, multi-platinum artist, and country music superstar Carrie Underwood has announced the final performances of her critically acclaimed production at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas in 2025. Underwood will present three final performances of REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency on April 9, 11 & 12, 2025, concluding her reign as the venue’s first and longest-running headliner. Fans looking to experience this exclusive Las Vegas production for the first or final time can purchase tickets starting Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET at AXS.com. Tickets for all remaining 2024 shows and previously announced Spring 2025 shows are on sale now.

“I have absolutely loved performing in Las Vegas over the past three years,” says Underwood.  “I am so proud of the REFLECTION production, which is truly one of my favorite shows to perform. It’s been so special to reflect on the greatest hits that have defined my career so far and to get to share them with the fans that come to Vegas from all over the world.”

Since its premiere in December 2021, Underwood’s REFLECTION remains a can’t-miss show in Las Vegas, garnering rave reviews by critics and fans alike and continuously selling out runs. Following the completion of Underwood’s 71st show, over 300,000 fans will have experienced REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency. The iconic 100-minute compilation of dazzling glitter, powerful vocals, and larger-than-life moments features 20 of Underwood’s chart-topping hits, including nine No. 1 songs. Fans continue to flock to Resorts World Theatre to witness the one-of-a-kind performance as the beloved megastar kicks off her Fall run of shows tomorrow night, October 16, 2024, to a sold-out crowd.

“It has been an honor to have Carrie serve as our first and longest-running headliner at Resorts World Theatre,” said Bobby Reynolds, Senior Vice President, AEG Presents Las Vegas. “Reflecting on her last three and a half years at this venue is marked with a myriad of unforgettable moments. Her unparalleled talent matched with her vision for REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency created an unprecedented concert experience for over 300,000 adoring fans from around the world. These final performances are the last chance for fans to experience Carrie’s chart-topping hits in this one-of-a-kind show!”

The final three performance dates of REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency going on sale Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT are :

April: 9, 11, 12

All 2024 and 2025 performance dates of REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency on sale now include:

• October: 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26
• March: 26, 28, 29
• April: 2, 4, 5
  
  

The 5,000-capacity theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, exclusively programmed and operated by Concerts West / AEG Presents, is a state-of-the-art, multi-level venue designed by the award-winning international design firm, Scéno Plus. The intimate venue, with the furthest seat only 150 feet from the stage, features unparalleled comfort, unobstructed sightlines, and an unmatched spatial audio experience through more than 200 L-Acoustics speakers powered by L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology.

For tickets or more information on Underwood’s residency and final performances, visit axs.com/carrieinvegas.

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“I’m Gonna Love You” on September 27

Pre-Save Now

Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood – Photo by Jason Stoltzfus

Link to hi-res photo HERE

Nashville, TN – (September 19, 2024) -Platinum-selling artist and five-time 2024 CMA Awards nominee Cody Johnson and 8-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood will release their long-anticipated duet “I’m Gonna Love You” next Friday, September 27 with a pre-save available today. The song, written by Chris Stevens, Kelly Archer, Travis Denning and produced by Trent Willmon, will be delivered to country radio and available at all digital retailers on that day. “I’m Gonna Love You” is the first single off Cody’s soon-to-be announced album expected out later this fall.

“From the moment I heard this song, I heard Carrie’s voice on it. It was a non-negotiable for me; either we sing it together, or I wouldn’t sing it at all. It’s that special to me,” shares Cody. “Working with Carrie has been an absolute pleasure. She’s not only one hell of a singer, but she’s a class act all the way around. It warms my heart to work with someone who’s seen so much success in their career and they’re still so down to earth. I feel like this duet is going to be massive in so many ways, and I couldn’t be more proud of it!”

“From the time I first heard his voice, I knew Cody had something special,” says Carrie.  “I’m excited for our fans to hear this special collaboration.”

Cody and Carrie first met in person backstage at the 2022 CMT Music Awards in Nashville. On that night, Cody performed on the outdoor stage on Broadway in front of a live crowd in the pouring rain and Carrie won her 24^th and 25^th awards, setting a record for the most awards won in the history of the show. Cody’s stellar appearance won him the “Performance of the Year” award the following year. From there, they sparked a friendship that resulted in this dynamic duet.

“I’m Gonna Love You” is the follow up to Cody’s most recent #1 single “Dirt Cheap” which set a new career benchmark with 220 million global streams when it landed in the chart-topping spot.

SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour hosted a special edition of their show in Las Vegas which aired live on SiriusXM’s CARRIE’S COUNTRY and The Highway

On Friday afternoon Carrie Underwood made a surprise appearance at SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour live from the Dawg House Saloon inside Resorts World Las Vegas, home of Carrie’s REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency.

Carrie caught up with SiriusXM’s Buzz Brainard, where she discussed the first anniversary of CARRIE’S COUNTRY, the extension of REFLECTION into 2025, joining “American Idol” as a judge 20 years after winning the competition that launched her career, her 12th consecutive show open for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” her new collaboration with Papa Roach on “Leave A Light On (Talk Away the Dark),” and more.

The special SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour from Las Vegas hosted by Buzz Brainard aired live simultaneously on SiriusXM’s CARRIE’S COUNTRY and The Highway channels on Friday afternoon.

Over the weekend, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner and country music superstar Underwood, Resorts World’s Theatre’s first and longest-running resident, closed out her current summer 2024 run.  She returns for six additional shows in October 2024, marking her remaining performances of the year, before returning to Las Vegas in March 2025 for a recently-announced six-show run. Tickets for all upcoming performances are on sale now at axs.com/carrieinvegas.

CARRIE’S COUNTRY, curated and presented by Underwood, on SiriusXM is available to subscribers across North America in their cars or anywhere they go with the SiriusXM App. The channel is a musical journey hand-crafted by country’s iconic rhinestoned superstar. Carrie Underwood highlights her friends, favorites, and influences – new and classic country, workout hits, gospel, and beyond. Carrie has two additional SiriusXM channels, CARR-DIO by CARRIE’S COUNTRY and SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRY which are available exclusively on the SiriusXM app.

Highlights from New Show Open to Premiere During Patriots-Commanders Preseason Game, This Sun., Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

New Sunday Night Football Show Open Debuts on Sun., Sept. 8 Ahead of Rams-Lions Playoff Rematch in SNF Opener on NBC and Peacock

Link to hi-res Image HERE

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 21, 2024 – Multi-Platinum, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood will star in the show open for NBC’s Sunday Night Football for the 12^th consecutive season beginning September 8 on NBC and Peacock.

The new open for primetime’s No. 1 show celebrates the SNF “road show” that visits NFL cities each weekend, embracing the pageantry and anticipation for each matchup. Underwood performed the open from The Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, home of her ongoing residency, REFLECTION.

“Carrie once again delivers a show-stopping performance in combination with backstage and behind the scenes energy to set the tone for this special night,” said Tripp Dixon, creative director of the SNF show open for each of the past 12 years. 

“It was so much fun to welcome the Sunday Night Football team back to the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas,” said Underwood. “Shooting the new show open is always something I look forward to, and Tripp and the whole creative team brought it yet again, and we had a great day putting on an exciting new performance. Like everybody else, I’m waiting all day for Sunday night!”  

The show open for Sunday Night Football, primetime television’s No. 1 program for an unprecedented 13 consecutive years, will debut on Sunday, Sept. 8 on NBC and Peacock leading into Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams visiting Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions in an NFC Wild Card Playoff rematch on the season debut of SNF.

NBC’S SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL IS PRIMETIME TELEVISION’S NO. 1 SHOW FOR RECORD 13 CONSECUTIVE YEARS: NBC’s Sunday Night Football finished the 2023-24 TV season as primetime’s #1 TV show in all key metrics for an unprecedented 13th consecutive year – adding to its record for the most consecutive years atop the charts (since 1950), based on official live plus same day data provided by Nielsen. Sunday Night Football also ranked as the No. 1 primetime show in every major demographic. For more information, click here.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD JOINS LUKE BRYAN AND LIONEL RICHIE ON THE JUDGING PANEL, ALONG WITH HOST RYAN SEACREST

Season Eight Airs in 2025 on ABC and Hulu

Click Here For Photo

August 1, 2024 – Television’s most widely recognized music competition series, “American Idol,” welcomes season four winner and eight-time GRAMMY^® Award winner Carrie Underwood to the judging panel for season eight on ABC and Hulu. Music industry icons Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return for their eighth consecutive season as judges, and longtime host Ryan Seacrest also returns when the show premieres in spring 2025 for the franchise’s 23^rd overall season. Since it began airing on ABC, “American Idol” has been a top unscripted series on ABC in Total Viewers. Season to date, “American Idol” ranks as the No. 1 most social entertainment series on broadcast or cable with over 63 million total social interactions.

“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on ‘Idol’ and launched her successful multi-GRAMMY Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” said Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group. “This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”

“Carrie Underwood is the first ‘American Idol’ alum ever to join the judging panel. Her global superstar status as the most successful ‘Idol’ winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show. She embodies the true spirit of ‘Idol’ as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story. Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way. Carrie has always been a strong supporter of ‘Idol,’ and I’m thrilled for her to be reunited with our ‘Idol’ Family,” said Megan Wolflick, showrunner and executive producer of “American Idol.”

Season eight auditions will kick off Monday, Aug. 12, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an “American Idol” producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.

“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):

• Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug 12)
• Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug 14)
• Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Aug 16)
• Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Aug 19)
• Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Aug 21)
• Nationwide open call (Aug 23)
• Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Aug 26)
• Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Aug 28)
• Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug 29)
• West and Midwest open call (Sep 4)
• Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sep 6)
• Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C. (Sep 9)
• Nationwide open call (Sep 11)
• The South open call (Sep 13)
• East Coast open call (Sep 17)

For information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of an “American Idol” producer, please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. For full eligibility requirements, details on specific dates, submission forms, and terms and conditions, please visit the website.

“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.