Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie & Carrie Underwood all back for Season 9; Ryan Seacrest expected to join them. Plus, audition information.

Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return as “American Idol” judges in the singing competition’s 24th season, coming to ABC and Hulu in 2026. This particular trio debuted in this year’s Season 23,

American Idol will enter its 24th season in 2026, and ushering it in are Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, who will return as judges. While Bryan and Richie have worked together as judges on the famed singing competition since 2018,