Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan & Lionel Richie To Reclaim Their Role As Judges On ‘American Idol’ In 2026

American Idol is gearing up for its 2026 season with a familiar trio of judges returning to the panel. Today, August 25, it was announced that Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will all be returning to the judging panel for the singing competition show’s ninth season on ABC and Hulu and 24^th overall.

A new post on American Idol’s official Instagram page revealed the news with a playful “Idol University” themed video, showing that class is officially back in session with America’s favorite judges.

“Class is back in session,” said Bryan.

“This year, we’re majoring in music as we help launch your dreams,” Underwood continued as she packed up school lunches in her kitchen.

With his thermos of coffee in hand, Richie introduced himself as the “professor of positivity.” Bryan then labeled himself “professor of fun…serious, but fun.”

As each of the judges pointed out, the only thing missing from the upcoming semester of “Idol University” is “you,” aka the next round of hopeful singers who are willing to showcase their talent in front of the judges in hopes of becoming the next American Idol.

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Last year, Carrie Underwood returned to her Idol roots to serve as a judge for the very first time. She joined Bryan and Richie in their search for America’s next singing sensation. The trio of superstars will reunite for another season of the show, which was named a top unscripted series during its eight seasons on ABC. In 2025, the season finale ranked No. 1 on the night, No. 1 for the week in primetime, and earned the best Total Viewer audience in two years.

The series continues to make waves online, holding the title of the No. 1 Most Social Reality Series across TV, with over 1.65 billion social video views so far this year.

Season nine auditions begin on Tuesday, Aug. 26, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar. Contestants will have the chance to perform for an “American Idol” producer at any of the audition dates being held across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with hopes of advancing and coming face-to-face with the superstar judges. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.

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“Idol Across America” Audition Dates (Subject To Change):

• “First 900” VIP Event (Aug. 26)
• Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 27)
• Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 28)
• Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 2)
• Nationwide open call (Sept. 3)
• Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Sept. 4)
• Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sept. 8)
• Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 9)
• Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sept. 11)
• East Coast open call (Sept. 12)
• The South open call (Sept. 15)
• Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 16)
• West and Midwest open call (Sept. 18)
• Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 19)
• Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 22)
• Nationwide open call (Sept. 24)

To sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of an “American Idol” producer, visit americanidol.com/auditions. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. Additional information regarding eligibility requirements, details on specific dates, submission forms, and terms and conditions can also be found on the website.