BREAKING: ‘American Idol’ Reveals Season 24 Judges
on Aug 25, 2025
American Idol will return to television in early 2026 for it’s 24th season, and three familiar faces will be behind the judges’ desk.
When Idol Season 23 wrapped in May 2025, fans celebrated Jamal Roberts‘ well-deserved win. They also began looking forward to the next season of the popular reality singing competition and finding out if the current host and judges would return.
Last season found Carrie Underwood returning to the show that made her a star, but this time as a judge instead of a contestant. The Season 4 champ earned rave reviews for her inaugural judging role alongside returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
Despite the support she received, Underwood faced some brief criticism over her perceived favoritism toward country singer John Foster and gospel songstress Breanna Nix, who finished the competition in second and third place, respectively.
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When Carrie replaced Katy Perry as a judge, details of her contract weren’t made public, leaving fans wondering if she would return for another season.
In an interview following last season’s finale, Underwood told Entertainment Tonight that she was unsure of her future with the show.
“I don’t know!” she told the outlet. “There’s lots to contemplate.”
American Idol Season 24 Judges Named
In a statement released on August 25, it was revealed that Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood will all be returning. They shared the news in a back-to-school-style clip, in which Bryan proudly proclaims, “Class is back in session.”
“And this year, we’re majoring in music,” Underwood adds.
Lionel Richie will return as “the professor of positivity.” Luke dubbed himself “the professor of fun.” And Carrie promises that members of her “class” will be “blown away.”
American Idol Season 24 is expected to premiere in March of 2026 on ABC.
