Luke Bryan Speaks on Whether He and Carrie Underwood Will Return to ‘American Idol’
American Idol will return for its 24th season in 2026, but Luke Bryan isn’t sure if he’ll be along for the ride.
The country music star recently spoke with Taste of Country Nights, where he opened up about the future of Idol and whether he and his fellow judge Carrie Underwood will be back next season. Underwood joined Bryan and Lionel Richie for Season 23, replacing Katy Perry.
“[She] really enjoyed it,” Bryan said of Underwood’s first season as a judge. “I know she had a great time in the role.” As for whether that means she will be back for another go-around next year, Bryan shared, “My prediction would be highly favorable.”
However, when it comes to his own future with the show, the “Buy Dirt” singer was more apprehensive. “Idol is kind of a year-by-year, ‘Do we do it or not?'” he stated.
Bryan and Richie joined the ABC singing competition series in 2018 and have completed eight seasons behind the table. They served alongside Perry for Seasons 16 to 22 before Underwood joined the panel earlier this year.
Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Disney/Eric McCandless
Despite his apprehension over returning, Bryan emphasized that he loves the show and had a great time on Season 23. “Last year was really, really incredible with Carrie and Lionel and Ryan [Seacrest],” he said. “And the main thing is just, have fun with American Idol and have fun with the kids [contestants].”
As for his future, he simply added, “We’ll see what happens.”
Bryan has spoken in the past about how he and Richie are on one-year contracts that are re-upped ahead of the new season. He admitted that Disney, ABC’s parent company, are often “tightlipped” about its decisions, so he often doesn’t know until late-on whether or not he’ll be back.
In July 2024, ahead of Season 23, he told Billboard, “We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”
Would you like to see Bryan back for another season of Idol? Or should the show change up its judging panel? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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O
this past season I really enjoyed American Idol with Carrie, Luke, and Lionel. I had not watched American Idol in the past because I was a big voice fan until that show has gotten absolutely ridiculous with judges who think it’s all about them and not focusing on the contestants. When I heard that Carrie was going to be on American Idol as one of the judges, I knew it would be a great team, which it was. All three of those judges are very experienced at music. Carrie started with American Idol as a contestant and she knows some of the fears that these new contestants are facing and with her understanding of being in those shoes at one time she has been perfect in helping contestants overcome their fears. Please Disney and ABC let’s get with the program and get those three judges back and make American Idol better than the current competition use to be.
10 1
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O
I love Luke that is why I started watching again!!! I loved Carrie, she knew how the contestants felt and went through, she helped them settle in quicker than before!!
12 3
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O
I think all three of them should come back. Lionel and Luke make the show and I loved Carrie last season.
9 1
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C
I have watched AI since it was on FOX and I don't think I missed one episode. I was really happy when ABC brought it back.
I think Luke, Carrie and Lionel should come back. If they don't keep stability ABC will lose viewers and the show will go off the air just like last time. C 😎
7 1
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O
I liked all three judges . My husband and I just started watching it again last year.
7 1
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O
I thought this last season was my absolute favorite between contestants and the judges. I especially loves mentor jelly roll and Easter special it was spectacular! So happy with it all.
8 2
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C
Yes I think they should all come back. It's a great show to watch. They care about the people and give them a chance on the show.
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G
Love the three from last season, Carrie, Luke, Richie
7 3
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R
Does everything have to be about politics?
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C
I’ve watched Idol since the beginning and I really believe that Lionel, Luke, and Carrie are the most competent judges thus far. Carrie seemed a little intimidated in the beginning but soon enough gained her confidence and began giving really great advice That triple threat of talent make the show while seemingly having a ton of fun and relaxing the contestants so they can give their best performances.
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O
I've watched AI faithfully since the beginning. I think Luke, Carrie, & Lyonel are a good mix. Keep all 3!
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O
Get rid of Underwood and keep the other 2. I watched every season except last because of Underwood
15 12
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B
I’ve watched the show since the beginning and I liked Katy, but I always loved Carrie Underwood from the beginning when she won on American Idol. The three are great together and so much fun. I’m so happy these three are coming back.
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O
I think they should come back they are really great judges and especially Luke and Lionel i always enjoyed there music i have never gone to a concert in my life and I always wanted to go to one of Luke's he is a really great person and artist i love his music.
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L
I believe that the 3 hosts for the show used last year were fantastic. The show flowed better. Personally I would bring all 3 of them back. They all know music, how to relate to people. Young and older ones. I look forward to seeing and hearing the new season. God bless all the contestants.
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O
Yes please come back to entertain this 77 year old great grandmother.
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O
Bring Season 23( 2025) Judges back!!! All 3 plus Ryan Seacrest!!!
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B
I think they should all be together again for the next season
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B
Yes Luke needs to return, ii never got to see him in concert and have always wanted to, since I started watching him on idol. I have loved lionel since I was a teenager and am in my sixties now. I've gone to two of his concerts. Love watching them both they are great with the kids. I do miss Katy also, I hope she's enjoying what she is doing now.
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O
I think all three should return. Last year was amazing. I believe if it isn't broke don't fix it
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O
Yes bring back the say judges as last year!
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G
Yes! I love Luke !
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P
I definitely want Luke back on American Idol!
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O
I love Luke and hope he can continue on American Idol
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B
It would not be the same without Luke! I hope he stays!
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B
Carrie needs to go. But Luke, pleeeeeease stay!!!!
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G
I agree with you
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G
Keep Luke
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D
One nice thing about Idol is that they don't change judges every season as The Voice does. It's also good that Idol is not on twice a year as The Voice is
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G
I love both shows and actually with Idol was on twice like The Voice was.
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O
If Carrie Underwood comes back I will NOT watch. She and her micro-aggression were very undermining of the entire American Idol diversity process. No judge should have negative reactions to "America's " vote. She is the only judge that showed bias towards America's vote.
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P
Luke and Lionel, yes please! Not Carrie, sorry. The addition changed the whole dynamic - what's up with all the gospel? Nothing wrong with it but AI isn't the place. We're loyal fans and have watched every episode from day one. Last season we fast forwarded through more than ever before and won't be watching this year if she's back AND the dynamic is what it was with her first season. Sad!
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O
Bring Luke and Lionel back!
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C
I think he should not comeback and should retire from country music forever. Never should have made it in country music.
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C
Yes please. Bring Luke back
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G
Let us guess reminds me of the words that were said last year about up to Disney and the producers wanting them back snd they showed up not to say Luke Bryan want be back its up to him to make decisions it has been nice watching the show over the years until last season
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C
I really like Luke a lot, but I hope Carrie don’t come back because I think she ruined it all. I almost didn’t watch it all the way through because of her, but Luke and Lyonel are both great.
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C
Love Luke, replace the others please!
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R
100% he needs to stay however, Carrie needs to go. She was a horrible judge and needs to be replaced.
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R
Keep Luke and Lionel....... get rid of Carrie
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G
Don’t like Carrie. She let me when she sang at the inauguration
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