American Idol's secret battle over Carrie Underwood's epic return - and rival show's last-minute hijack bid

American Idol bosses battled for years to enlist Carrie Underwood as one of the show's judges but were relentlessly thwarted by money, timing and a dramatic rival bid, a source says.

Their persistence has finally paid off – it was announced on Thursday that the country singer, 41, is returning to the series she won in 2005. She will replace Katy Perry as a panelist alongside returning stars Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

According to an insider, the battle for Carrie took a dramatic turn when rival series The Voice brought the fight to American Idol producers, but ultimately her loyalty lay with the show that launched her career.

Now the timing is finally right, Carrie apparently can't wait to 'give back' to the show that catapulted her into worldwide fame – and is excited to further 'cement her legacy'.

'They have asked Carrie in the past to be a judge and either timing, money or other commitments have got in the way to make it a reality,' a source told DailyMail.com.

Carrie Underwood has been announced as the new judge of American Idol 

Katy Perry, seen in a cover image for her upcoming album, is trying to salvage the music comeback she attempted after leaving American Idol

'She has been asked to coach on The Voice as well, but it just never seemed right.

'Even with the opening she has to speak to the same people at NBC by working with Sunday Night Football, she has always felt that she needed to be loyal to American Idol.

'She has always monitored the show that started her career, and now she couldn't say no.

'Carrie feels she is the best star to have come from American Idol and judging on the show to make another superstar will help cement her legacy with the show.

'She is looking forward to every joy she gets from giving back and is more than ready to make the show the monster show it once was.'

DailyMail.com has contacted American Idol and The Voice for comment. 

Carrie, the first American Idol alum to become a judge, is set to make her debut when the ABC show returns in spring 2025.

In an emotional video announcing her new gig, she enthused: 'I'm proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show, and I'm so proud of everything that I've accomplished since.'

'This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America's hearts on Idol and launched her successful multi-Grammy Award-winning career,' said Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group.

Underwood in her 2004 American Idol audition before she went on to win season four of the show, which aired in 2005 

The 41-year-old singer won the competition show in 2005 and becomes the first alum to sit on the panel 

Perry quit American Idol after seven seasons in May to focus on her music career 

Country singer Carrie is the most decorated artist in CMT Music Awards history with 25 wins 

'As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television.'

Country singer Carrie is the most decorated artist in CMT Music Awards history with 25 wins.

She has also won eight Grammy Awards and consistently tops the charts with her albums and singles.

Carrie will be joining judges Luke and Lionel, who each have seven seasons of judging experience under their belts.

Meanwhile, longtime host Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the show since it premiered, will also return.

According to an insider, Carrie is 'looking forward to  giving back' to the show that made her famous (pictured during a July performance in Hawaii)

Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan had been judges together on American Idol since the show moved to ABC from Fox

American Idol premiered in 2002 on Fox and was a hit for the network, but it was canceled in 2016.

After two years off the air, the show was revived by ABC and has aired there for seven seasons.

Katy was the first of the revival judges to leave the judges' post.

Auditions for the new season will kick off August 12 with the Idol Across America nationwide search for talent and will end in September.

The season is set to premiere in the spring and will be available to watch on ABC and Hulu.