Almost two decades after appearing on “American Idol,” in her early 20s, Carrie Underwood is reflecting on the show that launched her music career and the one she is now set to make a big return. “I have no idea how that 21-year-old Carrie was able to muster up enough guts to walk into a room and audition in front of Simon,

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.