Luke Bryan Has Cheeky Response When Asked If He’s Returning To “American Idol”
on Aug 22, 2025
Is Luke Bryan Returning For The 2026 Season Of American Idol?
Luke Bryan hasn’t confirmed that he’s returning to serve as a judge on American Idol, but hasn’t denied it either.
Bryan has been a judge on Idol since ABC rebooted the show in 2018. He judged alongside Lionel Richie and Katy Perry until this year (2025), when former Idol champion Carrie Underwood took Perry’s spot on the panel.
If Idol follows its usual timeline, the next season will debut in February or March of 2026. That means preparations are likely underway for the season, and we should expect an official judges’ announcement soon.
Bryan has already been asked a few times if he plans to return to Idol, and he’s always played coy. But during a recent interview, he thoroughly leaned into teasing his potential return.
This interview occurred backstage at the ACM Honors on August 20. During the ceremony, he delivered a powerful performance of “‘Til You Can’t” in honor of his friend and Spirit Award recipient, Cody Johnson.
Johnson was with Bryan when Extra‘s Alecia Davis asked if he planned to return for the next season of American Idol.
“Cody knows if I’m coming back or not, but he’s not allowed to say,” Bryan said in a cheeky response. Johnson made a motion over his face indicating that his lips are sealed!
Watch that interview below to see.
Bryan also spoke to Billboard at the ACM Honors about his future on Idol. With a smile, he said, “We’re nearing the…the plane sees the runway, so I’ll just say that.”
Will Lionel Richie And Carrie Underwood Return To American Idol?
Bryan’s co-judges, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, have remained quiet about their futures on American Idol. But Bryan has done some talking for them, or at least, for Underwood.
During a previous interview in July, Bryan shared his prediction about Underwood’s potential return.
“My prediction would be highly favorable [that she’ll return].”
He added, “I know she had a great time in the role.“
Bryan spoke about Underwood again in his interview with Extra, seen above.
He joked, “Carrie Underwood’s out, run that,” before reversing course and saying, “That’s not true.” He cracked another joke, saying Underwood was “negotiating [his] deal right now” before running away from the cameras.
Hopefully, American Idol will make an official announcement soon so we’ll know if we’ll see Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan back on our TV screens next year!
In the meantime, watch the video below to revisit their collaboration during this year’s season finale.
