Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie Will Return For ‘American Idol’ Season 25
(L-R) "American Idol" Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan visit SiriusXM's front row event at SiriusXM Studios on March 24, 2026 in New York City. Cindy Ord/Getty Images
It’s official: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return to the judging panel for American Idol, as the TV talent quest enters its milestone 25th season.
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Also linking up with the trio of judges is Emmy Award-winning OG host and producer Ryan Seacrest.
Bryan confirmed the news Thursday night (Sept. 25) during his concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.
It’s a happy end to eventful week for Richie, who recently underwent a procedure to correct his atrial fibrillation, a condition that kept him off the road. “The doctor said everything went perfectly,” a rep for the “Dancing On The Ceiling” singer told Billboard in a statement. “Lionel is doing great, but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
Idol will return to the airwaves for its silver jubilee edition in 2027, although it remains unclear when the season will premiere. As previously reported, the legendary competition will once again beam out on ABC and then stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Auditions are currently underway with the return of Idol Across America, the live virtual search for the next Idol, which is working its way across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Hopefuls have until Oct. 9 to strut their stuff, which they can do face-to-face, from anywhere in the world, with an American Idol producer.
There will also be open-call audition dates, with auditions open worldwide for any eligible contestants. (See the full list of open-call audition dates below). Click here for additional information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America”; contenders can audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. Contestants must be 15 years or older by Feb. 15, 2027 to audition and video auditions will be accepted if you cannot attend your state’s date.
This reigning Idol champion is Missouri mom Hannah Harper, who won season 24 to become the first female country singer crowned since Underwood took the title in 2005.
American Idol is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television.
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