‘American Idol’ Producer Teases ‘Changes,’ Says Judge Carrie Underwood ‘Is Only Going to Get Better’

The upcoming season of American Idol will feature a shakeup.

Showrunner and EP Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed that season 24 will bring “some changes” in an interview with TV Insider published Thursday, September 11.

“I can’t really get into any details, but we do have some big format changes coming for sure,” she told the outlet. “There are going to be some surprises around every turn for sure.”

Meanwhile, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood will return to the judging panel. Wolflick shared her thoughts on Underwood, 42 — who is the newest judge — noting that she “has brought something special and relatable” to the show.

“I think she is so tapped into the experience,” Wolflick remarked. “She got her feet wet last year, but what I do love about her is she is invested.”

“She is in it and cares so much about all the finalists who come through the door,” she continued. “She is only going to get better. She works her butt off on this show. I’m so proud.”

Wolflick also shared that she worked with the “Before He Cheats” hitmaker back in 2005 when the songstress was a contestant — and winner — on season 4 of the hit singing competition.

“It’s awesome because I was on the show when she was. We’re around the same age,” Wolflick explained. “When we were on the show together back then, we were all very close as producers. Now to have her come full circle back is pretty epic.”