American Idol keeps judges and host for Season 25
Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood are returning to American Idol for Season 25, with Ryan Seacrest staying on as host.
The judging line-up was confirmed ahead of the new season, locking in the familiar faces around the desk for another run.
Bryan shared the news on stage in Nashville, Tennessee, telling the crowd the three judges would be back together for the next season. The announcement was reported by Deadline on 25 September 2026.
It keeps the panel intact for another year. Season 25 will be the third year Bryan, Richie and Underwood have judged the show together, which gives viewers a settled combination to follow. Three seasons together matters on a panel show because singers know who they will face and viewers know the dynamic.
The confirmations follow ABC's renewal in July. The order covers Season 25, which will be the show's 10th season on ABC, and a renewal, meaning a fresh commission for another run, secures months of work for the team behind the cameras. For a crew that can number in the hundreds on an entertainment series of this scale, that decision shapes jobs, schedules and planning.
Season 25 will also look different behind the scenes. Production is moving to Georgia, which changes where filming work is based and where crew are hired. Such moves are a regular part of television, with studio space and local support often driving the choice.
The series is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, which is part of Sony Pictures Television. Megan Michaels Wolflick is showrunner, meaning she leads day-to-day creative and production decisions and keeps the tone steady across auditions, live shows and results nights.
For fans, this means no learning curve heading into auditions. The same three judges. The same host. The same structure as the search for the next winner begins again.
Anyone who wants to try out does not need to travel first. The show accepts online auditions through Idol Across America, its organised remote try-out system, according to ABC. Full episodes are also available to stream on Hulu after they air, so latecomers can catch up on performances they missed.
Bryan delivered the update during a home-town week in Nashville. He had billed a "Luke Bryan & Friends" night at the city's Bridgestone Arena for 24 September, according to his official site, and he used that stage to confirm the team would return.
What makes this stand out is stability. Singing contests often rotate judges to refresh the format. Here, Idol is holding its team together for a milestone season.
