American Idol is keeping its judging lineup together for a landmark season.
Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will all return to the judging panel when the talent competition reaches its 25th season in 2027. Emmy Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest will also be back for the milestone edition.
Bryan confirmed the returning lineup during his concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday, Sept. 25.
The news also brings Underwood back for a season with particular significance to her own Idol history. Underwood won the competition in 2005, and the show’s reigning champion, Missouri mother Hannah Harper, became the first female country singer to take the title since Underwood when she won Season 24.
Lionel Richie’s return follows heart procedure
Confirmation of Richie’s return comes after an eventful week for the singer, who recently underwent a procedure to correct atrial fibrillation. The condition had kept him off the road.
“The doctor said everything went perfectly,” Richie’s representative said in a statement. “Lionel is doing great, but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
Although Richie is taking time away following the procedure, he remains part of the confirmed Season 25 judging team alongside Underwood and Bryan.
Season 25 auditions are underway
The search for the next winner has already begun with the return of Idol Across America, the show’s live virtual audition process. The search is moving through all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C., and hopeful contestants have until Oct. 9 to participate.
Prospective competitors can meet face-to-face with an American Idol producer from anywhere in the world. They may audition on any Idol Across America date, regardless of where they are located.
Video submissions will also be accepted from contenders who cannot attend the date assigned to their state. Anyone auditioning must be at least 15 years old by Feb. 15, 2027.
The upcoming season will follow Harper’s Season 24 victory. Her win made her the latest champion in a country lineage that now directly connects the reigning titleholder with returning judge Underwood.
What Happens Next?
American Idol will return on ABC in 2027, although a specific premiere date has not yet been confirmed. New episodes will stream the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.
For now, the focus remains on auditions as producers continue their nationwide virtual search through Oct. 9. Season 25 will be produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, which is part of Sony Pictures Television.