‘American Idol’ Season 25: Judges, Premiere Date & More to Know

Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie
Disney/Brian Bowen Smith

We are officially in the American Idol drought, as it’s been more than four months since Season 24 ended, but we’re still months away from Season 25’s premiere. ABC confirmed in July that the show had been renewed for a milestone 25th season, and we’ve slowly gotten more updates about what to expect in the weeks since.

Auditions have already begun with “Idol Across America,” giving potential contestants a chance to virtually shoot their shot for a chance on the show. Then, the judges’ panel for the upcoming installment was revealed in September.

American Idol initially aired on Fox for 15 seasons from 2002 to 2016. In 2018, it was revived by ABC and has run for nine seasons there in the years since. Scroll down for everything we know so far about what’s to come from American Idol.

When does American Idol Season 25 premiere?

American Idol Season 25 is confirmed to return in 2027, although a specific premiere date has not been confirmed.

For most of its ABC run, Idol premiered in mid-February or early March, but Season 24 came back at the end of January instead. Season 24 also only aired one night a week all season, whereas past seasons had a two-night run once Live Shows began.

Who are the American Idol Season 25 judges?

The judges for Season 25 are Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. This will be the trio’s third season in a row woking together on the show.

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Ryan Seacrest, Luke Bryan, 'American Idol,' ABC.

Bryan made the announcement at a concert in Nashville, where he was joined by Underwood on stage. Richie joined via video message to share the exciting news.

Bryan and Richie have been judges for all nine seasons on ABC so far, while Underwood joined the panel for Seasons 23 and 24 (and now 25), replacing Katy Perry, who sat alongside Richie and Bryan for Seasons 16 to 22.

While Richie has recently been dealing with some health issues, he’s seemingly on the mend and will be part of the landmark season next year.

When are the American Idol auditions?

Auditions for Season 25 of American Idol began on August 25. Fans were able to try out for the show during “Idol Across America,” a live, virtual, nationwide search that took place across all 50 states and Washington D.C.

Pe ABC, “Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open-call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.”

August 25 was VIP Day, with the first 250 singers who registered to audition securing a spot to try out for producers. “Idol Across America” then began on August 26 and continued into September. “Contenders may audition on any ‘Idol Across America’ date, regardless of location,” ABC confirmed.

Those who make it through will get to audition for the judges at some point this fall.

American Idol, Season 25, 2027, ABC

American Idol key art

Hit All the High Notes

Get absolutely everything about American Idol in your inbox!




Conversation3 Comments

Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.

Register or sign in to join the conversation.

  1. M

    Molly

    A few fans want her (keke) as a judge while the majority have said she’s like Katy Perry on steroids, and would be a distraction. Four is too many cooks in the kitchen, and I’ll keep Carrie if she chooses to stay. Also, a whole thread on Reddit of people who DON’T want KeKe

  2. B

    BeBeEeE

    I personally love the judge panel as is. They are all so sweet and down to earth. Keke seems like she may be a little too much.

  3. T

    Taralea

    Keep it as it is. It's great. Keke is wonderful but I personally don't think she's a good fit for Idol.