Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return as “American Idol” judges in the singing competition’s 24th season, coming to ABC and Hulu in 2026.
This particular trio debuted in this year’s Season 23, which debuted in March. It marked Underwood’s first season on “Idol,” while Bryan and Richie have shared the judge’s panel since Season 16 in 2018. Until 2025, they served alongside Katy Perry, who exited the show ahead of Season 24.
There is no mention of Ryan Seacrest in the press release sent by ABC and Hulu, but he has hosted the series since its debut in 2002.
Auditions will begin on Aug. 26 with “Idol Across America,” a live, virtual, nationwide search for the next winner. Prospective “Idol” contestants will audition virtually in front of a producer, with the hopes of moving on to the next round of judge auditions. “Idol Across America” auditions start Tuesday with a “First 900” VIP event before moving to Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and all across the South. The auditions will hit all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., ending on Sept. 22 with Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming, before a nationwide open call on Sept. 24.
A top-rated unscripted series, “American Idol” has produced music superstars like Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, Season 5 contestant Chris Daughtry, Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert and Season 3 contestant Jennifer Hudson. With more than 16 million albums sold, Season 4 winner Underwood is the best-selling “Idol” alum.
“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Megan Wolflick is the showrunner, and she executive produces alongside Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman of 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.
