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ABC has confirmed that American Idol will return in early 2026 for its 24th season overall, and the judges' panel will once again feature familiar faces. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are all set to reprise their roles when the singing competition returns on ABC and Hulu.
The announcement marks Bryan and Richie's ninth season as judges since the show shifted to ABC in 2018. Underwood, who won Idol in 2005 during Season 4, joined the panel last year, stepping in after Katy Perry's departure. Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick said of her addition, "She really had to carve out her own role. She was stepping into the shoes of a former judge, but she needed to be her own person, and she definitely did that." Wolflick also praised her for bringing "a nostalgia factor" while adding constructive feedback for contestants.
Katy Perry left the program after Season 22 to focus on her music career. She has since released her 2024 album 143 and launched the Lifetimes world tour. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Perry hinted at a possible return, saying, "Maybe I'll come back if they'll have me one day."
Bryan has acknowledged in past interviews that his involvement with American Idol tends to be a season-by-season decision. Despite that uncertainty, he has spoken positively about the experience, highlighting the strong working relationship he shares with his fellow judges and the enjoyment he finds in guiding contestants through the competition.
Season 23, which wrapped in May, crowned Jamal Roberts as the winner. Underwood described the finale as a full-circle moment, saying, "There was no way to go wrong tonight. The top 10 performing tonight were all incredible. Like, there's nothing else on TV that is like the caliber of artists that we had compiled here tonight."
Auditions for the upcoming season begin Aug. 26 with the return of "Idol Across America." The live, virtual auditions will allow aspiring singers to showcase their talents in front of an American Idol producer, covering all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. ABC noted that "contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible."
American Idol Season 24 premieres in 2026.
