American Idol fans couldn’t handle their feelings after a viral video touted the legendary return of season four winner Carrie Underwood – not as a contestant, but as a judge.

Nearly two decades after her life-changing victory, the country queen will grace the judging panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, capping a moment that fans always rejoice over.

Carrie will reportedly rake in a cool $12 million for her debut as a judge, a modest sum compared to Katy Perry’s $25 million paycheck before she exited last year after seven seasons.

In a heartbreaking promo, ABC revealed a clip showing Carrie’s journey – from her fresh audition to the win to her spot as a judge.

Fans’ excitement exploded on social media, with one user declaring: “Oh this gives me goosebumps and makes me cry.” This is so great! I always voted for Carrie, and now look at her!’

Another proudly announced: “That’s our girl!”

“I’m not crying, you’re crying,” one posted, while another agreed, writing: “Why did this make me so emotional?”

Another shared: “I’ve been a Carrie fan since day one!! Welcome home, Carrie!’

Host Ryan Seacrest, who announced Carrie Underwood as the winner of “American Idol” back in season four in 2005, couldn’t hide his excitement about her return.

Sharing throwback photos from the iconic moment, he wrote, “It’s a full-circle moment from being announced as the winner of @americanidol 20 years ago to being welcomed to the judges’ table today. ‘Welcome home, @carrieunderwood!’

In August, Carrie talked about how she thinks she’ll handle the pressure of being a judge on American Idol.

With her experience in multiple genres, she explained, “I like to think that I’m versatile, and by listening to the people that come in and audition, I can hopefully have whatever lens I need to figure out what kind of music I like.” likes.’I think.’

The “Before He Cheats” hitmaker also shared her approach to feedback, saying, “I think I can be honest and constructive but still kind, and I think that’s the whole point.”

Reflecting on the significance of the moment for the participants, Carrie noted, “People come in and, you know, they’re dreams, and from that moment on, you’re part of someone’s story.”

She added: “I think it’s important to be honest, but I think it’s also very important to be kind so I can hopefully bring everyone together and be a good judge.”

Carrie takes on the role of judge, succeeding Perry, who joined American Idol in 2017 and reportedly commands a whopping $25 million per season, compared to the $10 million per season that Richie received.

According to Forbes, Bryan earned a higher salary than Richie at $12 million.

Host Seacrest also brings home $12 million per season.

According to a Life & Style source, the salary difference between Carrie and Katy comes down to time and priorities.

They revealed: “ABC demanded (Perry) a lot of time away from music and performing, more time than she had ever given to anything other than her own pop career.”

As for Carrie, the insider shared, “She’s been with the Idol family since the beginning and has a vested interest in seeing the franchise continue.”

Carrie’s down-to-earth attitude also earned praise, with the source adding, “Another of Carrie’s strengths is her humility, and Carrie didn’t need to be offered a Katy-sized salary to rejoin the franchise.”