US EditionAmerican Idol Season 24 Judges Revealed: Learn Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie's Fate
The 24th season will feature virtual auditions across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., following Katy Perry's exit from the judging panel.
- ABC announced Monday that Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return as judges for American Idol's 24th season on ABC and Hulu in 2026.
- After Katy Perry exited the panel, Underwood joined last season while Bryan and Richie have been on the panel since 2018, making this the trio's second season together.
- Auditions start Aug. 26 with Idol Across America, covering all 50 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C., and include a 'First 900' VIP event, regional stops, and open-call dates through Sept. 24.
- The production confirmed that the new season premieres in the first quarter of 2026, produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment with Megan Wolflick, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman as executive producers; Ryan Seacrest has not yet signed but is expected to return.
- American Idol remains a strong performer, averaging about 7.3 million cross-platform viewers in 2025 and featuring best-selling alum Carrie Underwood, who has sold more than 16 million albums.
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'American Idol' Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood to Return Next Season
The trio will serve as the judging panel for the upcoming ninth season of 'American Idol' on ABCDisney/Christopher Willard Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke BryanNEED TO KNOWCarrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return as the judging panel for the new season of American IdolIt will mark the ninth season of the show on ABC, and the 24th overall seasonThe trio announced their return in a back-to-school themed social media vide…
The Independent
The Independent (US)American Idol judges confirmed for new season — but one role remains uncertain
The new season will air in 2026
Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie Will Return to ‘American Idol’ Next Year
American Idol will enter its 24th season in 2026, and ushering it in are Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, who will return as judges. While Bryan and Richie have worked together as judges on the famed singing competition since 2018, Underwood just joined this year. She replaced Katy Perry, who left just ahead of Season 23. Per Variety, a recent Idol press release bared no mention of whether longtime host Ryan Seacrest would return…
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