American Idol: Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, & Luke Bryan Returning for New Season

When ‘American Idol’ returns for its new season, it will be doing so with a panel of familiar faces.

For, it has been confirmed that judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan are all back in the mix.

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The trio, who made their debut as a the show’s latest lineup earlier this year, will officially anchor the show’s forthcoming 24th season (its 9th on ABC) in 2026.

Longtime host Ryan Seacrest is expected to return, too.

It has been announced that auditions will begin on August 26 with ‘Idol Across America,’ a virtual nationwide search for the next winner. Potential contestants will audition remotely before moving on to in-person judge auditions.