American Idol is keeping its heavy country music crew for 2026: Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood are both returning to the judges table when the reality singing competition returns next spring.
The show announced all three judges from Season 23 will be returning for the next installment with a fun back-to-school themed promotional video on social media.
Underwood, Bryan and fellow judge Lionel Richie pack lunches and pour coffee while announcing the audition schedule for the upcoming season.
“Class is back in session,” Bryan says to the camera, while Underwood adds, “And this year we’re majoring in music as we help launch your dreams.”
Each judge has taken on the role of a different professor in this promo. Richie is the Professor of Positivity, while Bryan is the Professor of Fun.
Underwood encourages viewers to sign up for her class as it will blow them away — a nod to her 2012 hit “Blown Away.”
All three judges then encourage everyone to sign up for Idol‘s auditions, which get underway this week.
When Does the New Season of ‘American Idol’ Start?
A specific premiere date for Season 24 of American Idol has yet to be revealed by ABC.
The show typically airs in the spring, and last season premiered on March 9. Fans can expect a similar start time in ’26.
When Are Auditions for ‘American Idol’ Season 24?
The singing competition series will be holding virtual auditions beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Anyone from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. is invited to join.
American Idol will once again do nationwide auditions for their next season. Idol Across America will start on Sept. 3, with an open call for people across the country.
The show will then hone in on various regions with more open call auditions before hosting another nationwide audition on Sept. 24.
Is Ryan Seacrest Coming Back to ‘American Idol’ Next Season?
While the judges have been announced for the upcoming season, the fate of host Ryan Seacrest has not be announced at this time.
20 Things Carrie Underwood Has Done Since Winning ‘American Idol’
Carrie Underwood has been, well, busy since winning Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. Since the confetti fell, the country singer has released nine albums and embarked on seven tours. She’s also tried her hand at acting and launched a handful of businesses.
Over the years she’s become one of the biggest success stories to come out of the show, winning countless awards and amassing a staggering net worth of over $100 million.
Keep scrolling to see 20 things Underwood has done since her time on the reality singing competition.
