We now know which three music superstars will be seated on the judges’ panel when American Idol returns for Season 24 in early 2026.
Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood are all confirmed to be returning for the new season, TVLine has learned; though he wasn’t included in ABC’s announcement, Ryan Seacrest is expected to return as host, barring any future changes.
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Bryan and Richie have been part of the judges’ panel since Idol debuted on ABC in Season 16, making this their ninth season judging together. Underwood, who was first introduced to Idol viewers as the winner of Season 4, made her debut as a judge in Season 23; she took over from Katy Perry, who sat between Bryan and Richie for Seasons 16 through 22.
“She really had to carve out her own role,” Idol showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick told TVLine of Underwood’s first season. “She was stepping into the shoes of a former judge, but she needed to be her own person, and she definitely did that. I think she brought a nostalgia factor, and I also like that she brought a little criticism and constructive feedback, which is very much needed.”
Previous Idol judges throughout the seasons have included Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.
Watch ABC’s official announcement of its returning American Idol judges below:
American Idol Season 23 wrapped in May with the crowning of Mississippi native Jamal Roberts, who bested fellow finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix for the title.
The search for the next American Idol begins on Tuesday, Aug. 26 with “Idol Across America,” a nationwide hunt that covers all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. Information about how to enter, as well as a full schedule of audition dates, can be found at AmericanIdol.com/auditions.
Are you glad that all three American Idol judges are returning for Season 24, or were hoping for a shake-up? Which judge(s) would you replace if you had the choice? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.
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