It’s official: American Idol is keeping its superstar panel intact. On August 25, 2025, ABC confirmed that Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood will return as judges for the show’s 24th season (its ninth on ABC/Hulu). The trio revealed the news with a playful, back-to-school spin. (ABC News)
The announcement video leaned into the “Idol University” theme, with Richie dubbing himself the “professor of positivity,” Bryan the “professor of fun,” and Underwood promising fans would be “blown away.” The vibe signals a steady hand following last season’s shakeups and a continued focus on providing constructive feedback to contestants.
American Idol Season 24: What’s next?
Auditions begin Tuesday, August 26, 2025, as “Idol Across America” returns with live virtual tryouts in all 50 states and D.C. ABC is also listing open-call dates by region: East Coast on September 12, South on September 15, and Midwest/West Coast on September 18. While ABC has not announced a specific premiere date, industry trades note the show is slated to return in 2026. (Deadline)
Host status & franchise context
One name was missing from ABC’s judge announcement: longtime host Ryan Seacrest. According to reports, his return hasn’t been formally confirmed yet, despite his other hosting duties. (Yahoo Entertainment)
Underwood, who replaced Katy Perry last season, now heads into her second year behind the table alongside Bryan and Richie. The trio helped crown Jamal Roberts on May 18, 2025, underscoring the show’s knack for spotlighting diverse talent while keeping the format familiar for fans. Consequently, Season 24 looks primed to build on that momentum.
Bottom line: With Luke, Lionel, and Carrie returning, American Idol heads into Season 24 with stability up top, fresh talent flowing in via nationwide auditions, and a still-to-be-finalized hosting detail to watch.
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