American Idol is officially coming back for a milestone 25th season in 2027, giving aspiring singers another chance to chase their dreams on one of television’s most recognizable stages.
ABC confirmed the renewal on July 29, 2026, announcing that Season 25 will premiere next year on ABC and stream on Disney+ and Hulu. Auditions are already getting underway, with the virtual “Idol Across America” search beginning August 25.
But while the return of the show is locked in, there is still one major question fans are waiting to have answered:
Who will be sitting behind the judges’ table?
The Familiar Faces Aren’t Officially Confirmed Yet
Season 24 featured Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as judges, with Ryan Seacrest serving as host. The trio of judges had become a familiar part of the ABC era, with Underwood joining Bryan and Richie after Katy Perry’s departure.
However, ABC’s announcement for Season 25 did not confirm that any of the judges—or Seacrest—will return.
That doesn’t necessarily mean fans should expect a major shake-up. It simply means the network has not officially announced the Season 25 lineup yet.
Carrie Underwood’s Future Is One Question Fans Are Watching
Underwood has now completed two seasons as an American Idol judge after returning to the show where she famously won Season 4 in 2005.
During the Season 24 finale, Underwood acknowledged that she had become more comfortable in the judging role during her second season, but she stopped short of confirming what would happen next.
That has naturally left fans wondering whether she will return for the milestone season—or whether Season 25 could bring another change to the panel.
For now, there is no official indication that Underwood is leaving.
What About Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie?
Bryan and Richie have been part of the ABC revival since its beginning in 2018, making Season 25 potentially their 10th season as judges if they return.
Both have become closely associated with the modern version of American Idol, but their Season 25 contracts have not yet been publicly confirmed.
Richie even joked during the Season 24 finale that fans should make their voices heard if they wanted the familiar four—Bryan, Underwood, Richie and Seacrest—to remain together.
Still, until ABC makes an official announcement, everything remains open.
Ryan Seacrest’s Return Is Also Unconfirmed
Seacrest has hosted American Idol since the show’s very first season, making him one of the most recognizable faces in the program’s history.
Although ABC has not officially announced his Season 25 status, Seacrest has previously spoken about his enduring connection to the show and his desire to continue with it.
If he returns, it would continue one of the longest-running host relationships in reality television.
Auditions Are Already Moving Forward
Even though the judging panel remains uncertain, the search for the next American Idol has already begun.
The Season 25 audition process starts August 25 with Idol Across America, a virtual nationwide event allowing hopefuls from across the country to audition directly for an American Idol producer.
Additional open-call and state-based auditions will continue through September 28.
The show itself is expected to premiere sometime in 2027, although ABC has not yet announced an exact premiere date.
A Milestone Season Could Bring a Big Surprise
There is plenty of reason for fans to be excited about Season 25. It marks the show’s 25th overall season and its 10th season since ABC revived the series in 2018.
But until ABC reveals the judges and host, one important piece of the puzzle remains missing.
Will Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest all return for the milestone season?
Or could American Idol use its 25th anniversary as an opportunity to surprise viewers with a new face—or even an entirely different lineup?
For now, fans will have to wait. The auditions are underway, the next generation of hopefuls is preparing to sing, and the biggest casting question surrounding Season 25 remains unanswered.
One thing is certain: when American Idol returns in 2027, all eyes will be on that judges’ table. 🎤✨