Ryan Seacrest Taking Carrie Underwood “Under His Wing,” Plotting for Multi-Season Run on ‘American Idol’

Season 23 of American Idol has been one of the most anticipated seasons in years, and there is one simple reason for that—Çarrie Underwood. Underwood’s return to American Idol is incredibly full circle given that her career got started thanks to the show. Though, since Underwood’s 2005 appearance on the show, it has changed drastically. The only constant other than the show’s format, is the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest.

Videos by American Songwriter

Thanks to being on American Idol since its origins, Ryan Seacrest is undeniably one of the most recognizable television show hosts in the world. Another plus of his lengthy career on the show is that he gets to reunite with his former co-worker and contestant, Underwood. Given that the two are the only figures from the early ‘2000s era, they have seemingly crafted quite the bond.

How Ryan Seacrest Has Been Watching Out for Carrie Underwood

When Carrie Underwood won American Idol in 2005 the judges were Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. Now, none of the celebrity figures are present, and consequently, the only notable face Underwood recognizes from her American Idol days is Ryan Seacrest. Hence, Seacrest has reportedly taken Carrie Underwood “Under his wing.”

That being so, an insider from the show told OK! Magazine that Seacrest has gone to great lengths to make sure Underwood feels at home on the show. Matter of fact, he even urged her fellow judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, to do the same.

“He wants them to really make her feel welcome, not just because he considers her a close friend but also because he would love for her to do more than one season.” “He thinks it’s a huge coup to have one of the show’s biggest success stories front and center at the judges’ table and believes she’ll serve as an inspiration for all the contestants,” the undisclosed insider stated about Ryan Seacrest.

Carrie Underwood’s epic return to the show has been nearly 25 years in the making. Thus, it seems Seacrest knows just how important this is to her, the network, the show, and all of the fans who will be watching. Speaking of watching, to see Underwood make her return, tune into ABC on Sunday, March 9 at 8 p.m. EST.

Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for ABA