Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie Confirmed for American Idol Season 25

WHO:

Billboard - Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Ryan Seacrest are involved in American Idol Season 25.

WHAT:

Billboard - Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are returning as judges for Season 25 of American Idol.

Deadline - Ryan Seacrest will return as the host for Season 25 of American Idol.

Deadline - Luke Bryan announced the news of the returning judges and host on stage at a show.

WHERE:

Deadline - The announcement by Luke Bryan took place in Nashville, Tennessee.

WHEN:

Deadline - American Idol Season 25 is confirmed to take place in the future, although no specific date is provided in the articles.

WHY:

Billboard - The return of the original judges and host indicates a continuation of the show's established format.

HOW:

Deadline - The announcement was made during a live performance by Luke Bryan.

(UPDATED September 25, 2026 05:57 UTC)

In an exciting update for fans of American Idol, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will return as judges for Season 25, with Ryan Seacrest back as the host. Luke Bryan made this announcement during a live performance in Nashville, Tennessee, confirming the show's commitment to its established format. While the exact premiere date for Season 25 has yet to be revealed, the anticipation is already building among viewers.