American Idol Preview Set After Oscars

American Idol's 23rd season is set to premiere with a unique strategy, starting with a preview airing immediately after the Oscars on March 2, 2025. This half-hour special will introduce new judge Carrie Underwood, who replaces Katy Perry, alongside returning judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Following the Oscars, which are expected to run from 7 PM to 10:30 PM EST, the preview will showcase auditions and Underwood's debut. The full season premiere is scheduled for March 9, 2025. ABC aims to leverage the Oscars' viewership to boost American Idol's ratings, despite concerns that the awards show may run over time, potentially affecting the airing schedule. This strategic move follows a trend where ABC has successfully used post-awards slots for its programming.