Carrie Underwood was the obvious pick to join the judging panel after Katy Perry's exit, according to 'American Idol showrunner

Carrie Underwood was given an iconic new nickname by fans as she made her judging debut on American Idol. American Idol kicked off its 23rd season Sunday night, bringing a fresh wave of talent and a major shake-up at the judges' table.

The "America Idol" judges are gearing up for season 23. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie joined "Good Morning America" on Wednesday to gear up for the new season of the show premiering March 9.

Producer Megan Michaels Wolflick said it was "great" that two "American Idol" judges had performed at the last two presidential inaugurations.

American Idol is back and better than ever as fans share their love for new celebrity judge Carrie Underwood who made her return to the singing competition Sunday evening

Katy Perry, who was a judge on our show, sang at the last inauguration as well, so isn’t that great that two American Idol judges sang at the last two inaugurations. Megan Michaels Wolflick also pointed out that Carrie Underwood “handled very well” the technical difficulties her inauguration performance faced.

But this year will feel a little different with Katy Perry stepping down. Perry has served as a judge since the series was rebooted in Season 16. After Season 22, Perry turned her attention to releasing music and touring.