American Idolseason 23 judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan will headline a music festival this year. ForAmerican Idolseason 23,Carrie took Katy Perry’s place at the judging table alongside Luke and Lionel Richie, after Katy left the show after seven seasons to focus on her own music career again. Although hopes were high about her becoming a judge because she wonAmerican Idolseason 4, her lackluster debut has the producers doing damage control.

American Idolseason 23 judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan will headline the Country Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland in October 2025.

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In a post on theCountry Calling FestivalInstagram page, Carrie and Luke were announced as headliners for the Country Calling Festival, which will take place in Ocean City, Maryland, from October 3-5, 2025.Carrie will co-headline on Friday, October 3, along with Brooks & Dunn. Other acts performing on that day include Jon Pardi, Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore, Chase Rice, LeAnn Rimes, and many others.

Luke will headline on Saturday, October 4, with supporting acts Zach Top, Jordan Davis, Treaty Oak Revival, Flatland Cavalry, and Wynonna Judd, among others. Luke Combs will headline on Sunday, October 5, supported by Koe Wetzel, Ryan Bingham, Gary Allan, Gavin Adcock,American Idolseason 16 finalist Gabby Barrett, and season 17 finalist Laci Kaye Booth, along with many others.

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What Carrie Underwood’s Country Calling Festival Gig Means For Career

Carrie Is Still A Superstar

Although someAmerican Idolfans have boycotted the showbecause Carrie performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and they don’t agree with his political views and see her as his supporter, she has proven that she’s still a beloved and relevant music star.The fact that she’s headlining the Country Calling Festival amid all of this backlash proves that she still has a loyal fan base, which could translate into her being a very successfulAmerican Idoljudge.

Our Take On Carrie Lining Up New Gigs After American Idol Season 23

Carrie Hasn’t Signed On For A Second Season Yet

Carrie only signed on for one season ofAmerican Idol, and it’s not yet known if she’ll continue with the show. The Country Calling Festival will occur in October, which will possibly be during theAmerican Idolseason 24 auditions, if the show is renewed. ForAmerican Idolseason 23, the in-person auditions with the judges happened in September and October.It’ll be exciting to see if Carrie returns as a judgeor if she decides that she wants to go back to touring. The same is true of Luke, who’s now been anAmerican Idoljudge for eight seasons.

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American Idolis a fantastic option for music stars who want to judge but also want to continue to perform live shows. Due to its schedule,the judges have a lot of time to explore other career options. Hopefully, Carrie will decide that she wants to continue to be anAmerican Idoljudge while also occasionally performing at live events such as the Country Calling Festival. She’s an icon who fans like me will want to see on TV and in person.

American Idolairs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

American Idol

Cast

American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international “Idol” brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they’d go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America’s next musical idol.