American Idol is officially coming back for another season, and the milestone return is already getting fans excited.
ABC has renewed the long-running singing competition for Season 25, with auditions beginning soon and the new season expected to premiere in 2027.
The renewal comes just months after Hannah Harper was crowned the winner of Season 24 in May 2026. The latest season featured Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood as judges, with Ryan Seacrest serving as host.
Here’s everything we know so far about American Idol Season 25.
When will Season 25 auditions begin?
The search for the next American Idol champion is already underway.
Auditions are scheduled to begin August 25 with “Idol Across America,” a live virtual audition event. The first 250 singers to register will have an opportunity to audition directly for an American Idol producer from anywhere in the country.
The first regional open call is scheduled for August 31, with additional audition opportunities continuing throughout September.
The nationwide audition process is expected to conclude with the final open call on September 28.
With auditions approaching, aspiring singers have their first chance to take a step toward becoming the next American Idol.
Who will judge American Idol Season 25?
ABC has not yet officially announced the Season 25 judging panel.
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have been part of the judging lineup since ABC revived the series in 2018, becoming two of the show’s most recognizable faces.
Carrie Underwood joined the panel in 2024 after replacing Katy Perry. Her addition created a memorable full-circle moment because Underwood won American Idol herself in 2005.
Her experience as a former contestant gives her a unique perspective when evaluating new singers, and she has quickly become an important part of the judges’ table.
However, ABC has yet to confirm whether Bryan, Richie and Underwood will all return for the milestone 25th season.
Will Ryan Seacrest return?
Another major question is whether Ryan Seacrest will once again take the American Idol stage.
Seacrest has been connected to the franchise since its very first season and has hosted the competition for more than two decades. His long association with the show has made him one of its most familiar faces.
However, ABC has not officially confirmed his return for Season 25.
Seacrest already has a busy schedule outside of American Idol. He currently hosts Wheel of Fortune and continues his weekday radio program, On Air with Ryan Seacrest.
For now, fans will have to wait for ABC to reveal whether Seacrest will return for another season.
When will Season 25 premiere?
ABC has confirmed that American Idol Season 25 will premiere in 2027, but an exact premiere date has not yet been announced.
The upcoming season will continue the show’s search for America’s next singing sensation, with episodes expected to air on ABC and become available for streaming afterward.
As auditions approach, the excitement surrounding Season 25 is already building.
The biggest questions now are who will return to the judges’ table, whether Ryan Seacrest will remain behind the microphone and, most importantly, which aspiring singer will become the next American Idol champion.