Underwood, Bryan, Richie Re-Sign as American Idol Judges for 2026 Season

American Idol has confirmed that judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will return for Season 24, which is set to premiere in early 2026 with auditions starting August 26. Underwood, a former season 4 winner, joined as a judge last season, while Bryan and Richie have been judges since 2018, marking their ninth season on the panel. Despite the announcement of the judges, the show's longtime host Ryan Seacrest has not yet been confirmed for the upcoming season, with ABC and Disney yet to comment on his status. The upcoming season will feature virtual auditions across the U.S. as part of the "Idol Across America" initiative, allowing contestants nationwide to compete for a chance to advance. Luke Bryan has playfully hinted at returning but has not given a definitive answer, keeping fans eager for confirmation. American Idol continues to be a strong performer for ABC, averaging millions of viewers and maintaining its popularity as it enters its 24th season overall.