Carrie Underwood is reportedly close to signing on to become a judge on American Idol, a show that gave the country singer her start nine years ago.

The 41-year-old blonde songbird would replace Katy Perry, who has already left the popular talent show.

TMZ claimed on Wednesday that the producers are already in the contract stages with Carrie. 

If the last details are nailed down, the Oklahoma native is set to go. 

Underwood will join longtime judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as the new judge. The site added an announcement could be made as soon as today.

The star already has a Las Vegas residency at Resorts World through 2025 but her schedule seems flexible enough to also work on idol. She resumes Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency on August 14.

Underwood is the biggest star to come from American Idol. She was the winner of season four in 2005 and has gone on to sell 85 million records worldwide

Perry has been on Idol since 2018.

In May Perry became emotional while stepping onto the stage for her last episode as a judge on American Idol on ABC.

The pop superstar held hands with fellow judges Luke Bryan, 47, and Lionel Richie, 74, while being introduced by host Ryan Seacrest, 49.

‘Are you crying?,’ Ryan asked after Katy bowed her head.

‘We’re going to miss you,’ Ryan said as he hugged Katy.

‘Already emotional tonight,’ he added.

‘Katy is a mess,’ Luke said.

Katy, Luke and Lionel then acknowledged screaming fans in the audience before taking their seats for the live show.

The three-hour finale featured finalists Abi Carter, Jack Blocker and Will Moseley competing to win season 22.

Jon Bon Jovi, 62, served as special mentor for the finalists during the three-hour finale.

Katy surprisingly revealed in February during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live that this would be her last season as a judge on American Idol.

Jimmy asked Katy if she would be on American Idol for as long as it goes.

‘You know, actually this fall in September I’m going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock In Rio. It’s really exciting,’ Katy began her answer.

‘It’s a big deal. It’s a big deal for people all over the world, especially for my Brazilian fans. I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean, I love Idol so much,’ she added.

Katy also spilled on the talk show that she had not yet told Luke and Lionel about her decision to leave.

The singer, real name Katheryn Hudson, joined American Idol for its reboot in 2018 as the singing competition moved from its original home on Fox to ABC.

Katy has three-year-old daughter Daisy Dove with her fiance Orlando Bloom, 47.

Orlando and Daisy were in the audience for Disney Night last week in which Katy dressed as Cinderella.

Last week Carrie was in Hawaii.

She received a warm welcome ahead of her two sold-out shows in the Aloha state.

Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi and state Business, Economic Development and Tourism director James Tokoika declared July 18 as ‘Carrie Underwood Day’  in the Grammy winner’s honor. 

The singer, whose Nashville mansion was damaged in a small fire, was the first entertainer in the state’s 65 year history to receive concurrent honors. 

‘With heartfelt aloha, we thank her for bringing her live show to Hawai‘i and fulfilling the dreams of thousands of fans who have eagerly awaited this opportunity,’ said Mayor Blangiardi.

‘Carrie Underwood embodies the aloha spirit through her talent, love, and genuine care and compassion for others.’

The governor’s decree had similar praise for the Jesus Take the Wheel artist.

‘Your music, your kindness, your remarkable journey, and your unwavering dedication to making the world a better place have touched countless hearts here in Hawai’i. We are truly blessed to have you bring your extraordinary live experience to the people of Hawai’i for the very first time.’

Photos from the history making trip shared on social media show the hitmaker wearing am orange floral halter dress with a lei made of purple orchids as she held both proclamations.

Underwood first announced she would be performing at the Blaisdell Arena back in March.

The show sold-out in less than an hour and a second night was quickly added with fans grabbing up the tickets as quickly as they could.

Photos shared on social media show the American Idol champion and her band doing having some traditional fun at the beach, in brightly colored Hawaiian shirts and shorts.

The Good Girl artist chose a pair of denim cutoffs for her frolic on the shore.

‘Don’t mind us, folks. We’re just out here living our best lives! No band members were harmed in the taking of these pictures! ❤️’ she wrote next to a picture carousel that included the group jumping in the air and forming a human pyramid. 

In honor of the two shows, Underwood and her team created some exclusive merchandise marking the occasion.

‘Wow! Last night was awesome at the @blaisdellcenter in #Honolulu!!! I’ve consulted with the band and we all agree that is the loudest crowd we’ve ever played for!,’ she wrote on social media following the July 19 show.

‘Waking up this morning with such a full heart! Ready to do it again tonight!!! Let’s gooooo!’ she said ahead of the July 20 performance.

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Source: Tampa Bay Times