“American Idol” is officially returning for a milestone 25th season in 2027, and the search for the next generation of talented singers is already getting underway.
ABC confirmed the renewal on July 29, nearly three months after Season 24 wrapped up. Along with announcing the new season, the network revealed that Idol Across America, its nationwide audition search, will return to give aspiring performers a chance to take their first step toward the “American Idol” stage.
While fans now know the iconic competition is coming back, one major question remains unanswered: Who will be sitting behind the judges’ table?
When Will Season 25 Premiere?
ABC has confirmed that Season 25 will premiere sometime in 2027, but an exact date has not yet been announced.
The show has traditionally premiered in February or early March during its ABC run, although Season 24 arrived earlier, premiering toward the end of January.
Season 24 also followed a slightly different weekly schedule, airing one episode per week throughout the competition rather than shifting to a two-night schedule during the live shows.
It remains unclear whether Season 25 will keep that format or return to the scheduling pattern used in previous seasons.
The Judges Are Still a Mystery
Perhaps the biggest unanswered question surrounding Season 25 is the judging panel.
ABC has not yet confirmed which judges will return.
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have been fixtures on the panel throughout all nine ABC seasons. Carrie Underwood joined them for Seasons 23 and 24 after replacing Katy Perry, who had served alongside Bryan and Richie from Seasons 16 through 22.
Meanwhile, Keke Palmer made a memorable appearance as a guest judge during Season 24, and her performance sparked plenty of excitement among viewers. Some fans have already expressed their desire to see Palmer receive a permanent seat at the judges’ table.
For now, however, nothing has been officially decided. Whether ABC keeps the current lineup intact or introduces a new face—or faces—remains one of the biggest mysteries heading into Season 25.
Auditions Begin This August
Fans who dream of becoming the next “American Idol” winner do not have to wait until 2027 to begin their journey.
Season 25 auditions are scheduled to begin on August 25 through “Idol Across America,” ABC’s virtual nationwide audition experience covering all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Eligible singers will have the opportunity to audition directly for an “American Idol” producer from wherever they are in the United States on designated audition dates. Those who advance can then move on to the next stage of the competition and potentially audition for the celebrity judges.
Open-call opportunities will also be available, and ABC says eligible contestants from around the world can take part in the audition process.
VIP Day Launches the Search
The Season 25 audition journey will officially kick off with VIP Day on August 25.
The first 250 singers who register for an audition will receive an opportunity to perform for producers. “Idol Across America” will then officially continue beginning August 26 and run through September.
Contestants will be able to audition on any available “Idol Across America” date, regardless of where they live.
A Major Milestone for the Franchise
“American Idol” first premiered on Fox in 2002 and ran for 15 seasons before ending its original run in 2016. ABC revived the beloved singing competition in 2018, and the series has since completed nine seasons on the network.
Now, with Season 25 officially on the horizon, the franchise is preparing to celebrate another major milestone.
The auditions are beginning, a new group of hopeful singers is preparing to chase the dream, and fans are waiting to find out who will guide them along the way.
One thing is certain: “American Idol” is coming back in 2027—and the mystery surrounding the judges has only made the wait more exciting.