Meet the judges of American Idol season 24: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie

ABC has confirmed that Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will return as judges for the 24th season of American Idol, marking Underwood’s second consecutive season on the panel.

Underwood, who won American Idol in 2005, made her judging debut during Season 23, taking over for Katy Perry. Her appointment made her the first former winner to come back as a judge on the long-running singing competition.

In a playful announcement video released Monday, Aug. 25, the judges teased the upcoming season, with Richie saying, “The only thing that’s missing is you,” as auditions for Season 24 officially open on Tuesday, Aug. 26.


The previous season, which aired from March to May 2025, concluded with Jamal Roberts taking home the title.

Bryan, 49, and Richie, 76, both joined the judging panel in 2018 when American Idol moved to ABC from Fox. Perry, who also debuted that year, announced her departure in 2024 after seven seasons to focus on her music career, releasing a new album titled 143 later that year.

Meet the judges

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10, 1983) is an acclaimed American singer and songwriter who rose to fame after winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005 and returned as a judge in its twenty-third season in 2025.

Her debut single, Inside Your Heaven, made her the first country artist to top the US Billboard Hot 100, and her debut album, Some Hearts, became the best-selling debut by a solo female country artist.

Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan is a popular American country singer and songwriter known for hits like Play It Again and Country Girl (Shake It for Me). He has won multiple ACM and CMA awards and is recognized for his energetic performances and relatable, chart-topping songs.

Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and music producer known for hits like Hello, All Night Long, and Endless Love. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award, and is celebrated for his smooth vocals and lasting influence on pop and R&B music.

Earlier this year, both Bryan and Underwood had expressed uncertainty about returning. Bryan told USA TODAY in May that discussions with producers had not yet begun, while Underwood said she had “a lot of fun” and was open to seeing where her path might lead.

With auditions underway, fans can expect another season of Idol filled with new talent, celebrity insights, and the familiar dynamic of the returning judges.