"American Idol" is gearing up for yet another season of star-making, with a familiar trio of judges set to return and a nationwide search for new talent about to begin. On August 25, 2025, it was officially announced that Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood will once again take their seats at the judges' table for the 24th season of the iconic music competition, which will be its ninth season on ABC and Hulu. This marks the second season together for this panel, a blend of music industry royalty and Idol legacy.
The announcement came in the form of a playful video, released just ahead of the audition kickoff, where the judges leaned into a back-to-school theme. As reported by ABC News, Bryan declared, “Class is back in session,” with Underwood chiming in, “And this year, we’re majoring in music as we help launch your dreams.” Richie, never one to shy away from showmanship, added, “Hello! I’m your professor of positivity.” The trio’s chemistry—equal parts encouragement, expertise, and good-natured ribbing—has become a hallmark of the show’s recent seasons.
For Carrie Underwood, this return is particularly significant. Underwood, who first captured America’s heart as the winner of Season 4 in 2005, made history last season by becoming the first former winner to join the judging panel, stepping in for Katy Perry, who departed the show in 2024 to focus on her music career. According to The Economic Times, Underwood described her judging debut as a lot of fun and expressed excitement about helping shape the next generation of Idol hopefuls.
Bryan and Richie, meanwhile, have been fixtures on the panel since ABC revived "American Idol" in 2018, following its original 15-season run on Fox. Their return, as noted by Deadline, brings continuity and star power—Bryan with his country chart-toppers and high-energy persona, and Richie with his legendary pop and R&B credentials, not to mention his four Grammy Awards. The show’s long-serving host, Ryan Seacrest, is also expected to return, continuing his role as the ever-present guide for contestants and viewers alike.
Last season’s winner, Jamal Roberts, a physical education teacher and father of three from Mississippi, provided one of the show’s most heartwarming stories in years. His stirring rendition of Tom Odell’s “Heal” not only earned him the Idol crown but also propelled his debut single to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel chart in May 2025, as reported by The Detroit Press and The Tennessean. Roberts’ victory was notable for another reason: he was the first winner in seven seasons not to perform before Katy Perry, underscoring the changing dynamics on the judges’ panel.
The show itself remains a cultural juggernaut. According to ABC Audio and The Detroit Press, "American Idol" ended its 2025 season as the No. 1 unscripted series for the night and the week in primetime, drawing its largest total viewer audience in two years. Social media engagement has also been off the charts, with over 1.65 billion social video views in 2025 alone, making it the most social reality series on TV so far this year.
Now, the search for the next Idol is about to begin in earnest. Auditions for Season 24 officially open on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with the return of "Idol Across America"—a live, virtual audition process that allows aspiring singers from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to showcase their talents directly to Idol producers. This virtual approach, which gained traction during the pandemic years, has now become a mainstay, democratizing access to the competition like never before.
The audition process is extensive and inclusive. As detailed by multiple sources, including ABC News and The Detroit Press, live regional auditions will be held throughout late August and September 2025, with specific dates allocated for different states and regions. For example, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi will have their chance on August 27, while hopefuls from Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas will audition on August 28. There are also open call dates for the East Coast (September 12), the South (September 15), and the Midwest and West Coast (September 18), plus several nationwide open calls. The process continues through September 24, 2025, giving a wide window for aspiring stars to make their mark.
Registration for virtual auditions is available at americanidol.com/auditions, where full eligibility requirements and submission details can be found. According to ABC Audio, contestants who impress the producers will have the opportunity to perform for the judges themselves—a shot at stardom that has changed the lives of many, from Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson to Fantasia, Phillip Phillips, and more recently, Gabby Barrett and Iam Tongi.
Behind the scenes, "American Idol" continues to be produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, now part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers Megan Wolflick (also serving as showrunner), Eli Holzman, and Aaron Saidman are at the helm, ensuring the show’s blend of heart, drama, and musical discovery remains as compelling as ever. Fremantle’s global reach and 19 Entertainment’s track record of breaking new artists underscore the show’s ongoing impact on the music industry.
For the judges, the new season represents both a continuation and a fresh start. Underwood, whose own journey from small-town hopeful to superstar began on the Idol stage, brings a unique perspective to her role. Bryan and Richie, with their decades of industry experience, offer both mentorship and tough love. Their playful banter in the announcement video—Bryan dubbing himself the “Professor of fun,” Richie as the “Professor of positivity,” and Underwood promising contestants will “be blown away”—signals a season that will be both competitive and uplifting.
Although the official premiere date for Season 24 has not yet been announced, anticipation is already building. With a judging panel that blends Idol history and musical excellence, a proven format that continues to draw millions, and a nationwide search that promises to unearth new voices, "American Idol" looks set to maintain its place at the forefront of American entertainment. As Richie aptly put it in the video, “The only thing that’s missing is you.” For countless dreamers across the country, that’s an invitation too good to pass up.
With auditions about to begin and the promise of more unforgettable moments on the horizon, the stage is set for another chapter in the "American Idol" legacy—one where, as always, anyone could be the next star.
