Major Announcement! American Idol Just Changed Everything For Season 25… While The Fate Of Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, And Lionel Richie Remains A Complete Mystery.” Just When Fans Thought They Knew What To Expect, American Idol Delivered A Surprise That Has Everyone Talking. The Show Has Officially Made A Major Announcement For Season 25, Instantly Fueling Excitement For What’s Ahead. But The Biggest Question Still Has No Answer: Will Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, And Lionel Richie Return To The Judges’ Table? With No Official Confirmation About The Beloved Trio’s Future, Speculation Is Spreading Fast. Fans Are Anxiously Waiting To See Whether The Familiar Chemistry That Has Defined Recent Seasons Will Continue—or If One Of The Biggest Shake-ups In American Idol History Is About To Unfold.

American Idol is getting ready for another historic chapter. ABC has officially renewed the hit singing competition for its milestone 25th season, with auditions beginning later this summer ahead of a 2027 premiere.

The network announced the renewal in July 2026, confirming that aspiring singers will once again have the chance to compete for one of television’s most recognizable titles.

The series first premiered on Fox in June 2002 and ran for 15 seasons before ending in April 2016. Two years later, ABC revived the franchise with season 16 in March 2018. Season 25 will also mark the show’s 10th season since its return to ABC.

The announcement follows the conclusion of season 24, where Hannah Harper was crowned the latest American Idol champion. The season featured returning judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, with Ryan Seacrest continuing as host.

Auditions begin in August

The search for the next American Idol winner officially starts on August 25 with the return of “Idol Across America,” the show’s nationwide virtual audition event.

The first 250 singers who register will have the opportunity to audition live with an American Idol producer from anywhere in the United States.

Following the virtual kickoff, regional open calls begin with auditions for the South on August 31. Additional audition dates will continue throughout September before concluding with a nationwide open call on September 28. The complete schedule is available through ABC’s official audition website.

Will the judges return?

ABC has not yet confirmed who will sit at the judges’ table for season 25.

Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have served as judges since ABC revived the series in 2018. When discussing their chemistry during the show’s early days on ABC, Bryan said the panel often became emotionally invested in contestants.

“We’re compassionate at times,” Bryan previously said. “When we’re not compassionate, we get emotional. We get wrapped up in their stories.”

Richie echoed that sentiment, explaining that the judges often passionately debate which contestants deserve to move forward.

“When we see a contestant that we really believe in, we fight for them,” Richie said, adding that viewers rarely see those lengthy discussions behind the scenes.

Carrie Underwood joined the panel in 2024 after replacing Katy Perry beginning with season 23. The country superstar famously won season 4 of American Idol in 2005, making her return to the franchise a full-circle moment.

“I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since,” Underwood said when her judging role was announced.

Ryan Seacrest also celebrated her return, calling it a “full-circle moment” after announcing her victory two decades earlier.

Bryan later admitted that judging is something contestants simply have to learn through experience.

“It’s not like you can go to American Idol judging school,” he joked, while praising Underwood for connecting naturally with contestants and settling into the role.

Is Ryan Seacrest returning?

Although ABC’s renewal announcement stopped short of officially confirming Ryan Seacrest’s return, the longtime host has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay with the show.

Seacrest has been part of American Idol since its very first season in 2002, originally sharing hosting duties with Brian Dunkleman before becoming the program’s sole host.

“Who am I if not the American Idol guy?” Seacrest said in a previous interview. “I’ve always loved the show. And if I could do it forever, I would do it forever.”

His schedule has become even busier in recent years as he also hosts Wheel of Fortune and his weekday radio program, On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Despite juggling multiple jobs, Seacrest previously joked that his routine mainly consists of fitting as much work as possible between a good night’s sleep.

When will season 25 premiere?

ABC has confirmed that American Idol season 25 will premiere in 2027, although an exact release date has not yet been announced.

Recent seasons have typically debuted early in the year, with season 24 premiering in January 2026, season 23 in March 2025 and season 22 in February 2024.

Once the new season arrives, episodes will air on ABC before becoming available to stream the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.