Kelly Clarkson and Simon Cowell are excited about Carrie Underwood joining American Idol as a judge.

Clarkson praised Underwood as an “awesome pick” and predicted she would do great. “I think that’s brilliant,” Clarkson exclusively told E! News in an interview airing September 12. “Like, what better person to have — somebody that’s won that show to come back.”

Cowell also expressed his delight, recalling Underwood’s audition and praising her talent and personality.

Fellow judge Lionel Richie is thrilled to have Underwood on board, highlighting her experience as a former contestant on the show.

“Now we don’t have to explain anymore, ‘We know how you feel.’ As artists, we know how you feel, but we’ve never been in that oval that says, ‘American Idol.’ She’s been there, done that,” said Richie.