When American Idol convenes for its next season, there will be some changes afoot. For starters, longtime judge Katy Perry will be gone. But for the 23rd installment of the show, it will feature a former winner as Perry’s replacement. That’s right, country star Carrie Underwood, who won the show’s fourth season, will be the new judge.
Videos by American Songwriter
Here below, we wanted to dive into four songs for the three judges plus Perry (hey, everyone deserves a sendoff). Four songs that are classics and will forever stand the test of time. Indeed, these are four iconic tracks from the American Idol judges.
[RELATED: Carrie Underwood Has the Backing of These Two Former ‘American Idol’ Stars]
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood from Some Hearts (2006)
Not a song of revenge but one of pre-venge, this track from Carrie Underwood’s 2006 LP Some Hearts is about doing unto him what you know he is about to do unto you. It’s breaking up with him before he’s about to dump you—but doing so by getting a little satisfying aggression out. And the next time he cheats on someone, well, it won’t be on you! This song gives a jolt of satisfaction to all who have been through the ringer with a bad ex. Underwood nailed it.
“Roar” by Katy Perry from Prism (2013)
The ultimate song of strength from one of the most versatile, shape-shifting pop stars of modern times. Look once and Katy Perry is wearing a beer can bra. Look again and she’s wearing lingerie at the MTV Music Video Awards and making audiences eyes pop from their skull. Look again and she’s shepherding a young artist’s career, helping to make their dreams come true. Look a fourth time and she’s empowering listeners to get on their hind legs and ROAR.
“Easy” by Commodores from Commodores (1977)
A love song that celebrates the ease of the weekend and its most sanctified time: Sunday morning. It’s a song about two people who shared deep times but their future is now a bit murky. Sung by “Idol” judge Lionel Richie, the narrator wants to have a life without hardship, but will he? But even more than the specifics of the track, what gets listeners most these days is the concept of a beautiful Sunday morning. We all want that. To bask in the glow of a workless day filled with hot coffee and no schedules. May we all enjoy it.
“One Margarita” by Luke Bryan from Born Here Live Here Die Here (2020)
Country star Luke Bryan just has an easy way about him. He’s talented and successful, but more than that, he just knows how to put people at ease. Perhaps its his singing style or his smooth speaking voice or his calm demeanor. But whatever it is, people just want to be around him. Example No. 1 of that is this song, “One Margarita.” It’s a party song but it’s also a country hit. It’s a vibe, a lifestyle. And it’s the stuff that has made him one of the most successful artists in his genre.
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