‘American Idol’ Keeps Its Judges for Milestone Season 25

American Idol Season 25 keeps a familiar panel

American Idol is keeping its core on-air team intact for its milestone 25th season. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return as judges, while Ryan Seacrest will continue as host and producer when the competition comes back in 2027.

Bryan announced the returning lineup during a concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The decision gives the series continuity as it prepares for a season that marks both its 25th overall cycle and its 10th season on ABC.

The trio enters a third season together

Season 25 will be the third consecutive year that Underwood, Bryan and Richie have shared the judges’ table. Underwood’s place carries an extra layer of history: she won the show in 2005 and later returned as a judge, connecting the program’s early era with its current version.

Seacrest has been with Idol since its launch and has served as the sole host since 2003. Keeping him alongside the same judging trio allows the show to focus its changes behind the scenes and in production rather than asking viewers to adjust to another major cast reset.

Auditions are already moving

The virtual Idol Across America search is underway, with auditions spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Hopefuls have until October 9 to meet with a producer, and eligible singers can take part regardless of where their designated state date falls. Contestants must be at least 15 by February 15, 2027.

The new season is expected to originate from Georgia after production changes announced earlier in the year. ABC will air the episodes, with next-day streaming on Disney+ and Hulu; a premiere date has not yet been announced.

The returning lineup provides a stable center for a year already defined by geographic and production shifts. With auditions in progress and the principal talent confirmed, the remaining questions now concern the schedule and how the anniversary season will distinguish itself on screen.