“American Idol” has set its judges for Season 24, and Carrie Underwood is coming home again – again.
Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are returning as judges for the singing competition show’s next season, ABC confirmed on Monday, Aug. 25.
Underwood made her debut as an “American Idol” judge during the 23rd season earlier this year after she was tapped to replace departing judge Katy Perry. The “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer was the first former “American Idol” winner to come back and serve as a judge.
In a back-to-school themed announcement video released on Aug. 25, Underwood, Bryan and Richie declared that “class is back in session” for prospective “American Idol” competitors. “The three judges are back for another amazing season of ‘Idol’ university,” Richie said. “The only thing that’s missing is you.”
Auditions for Season 24 of “American Idol,” which airs in 2026, will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
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The show’s most recent season aired from March to May, concluding with the crowning of Jamal Roberts as the winner.
Bryan, 49, and Richie, 76, both made their debuts as “American Idol” judges in 2018. They joined for the 16th season, the show’s first to air on ABC after its move from Fox. Perry also made her debut as a judge that year, but announced in 2024 that she would leave the show after seven seasons to focus on her music. She released a new album, “143,” later that year.
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Speaking with USA TODAY in May, Bryan said that he had not yet started talking with “American Idol” producers about his possible return, so “we’ll hear what the direction is.” He added, “Me and (host) Ryan (Seacrest) and Lionel have been here for eight years and have really worked hard.”
Underwood, 42, also told USA TODAY at the time that “we will see” about whether she returns as a judge.
“I feel like there’s a lot of contemplating and things like that to do, but I had a lot of fun,” she said. “You never know where the good Lord’s going to take me, but I’m glad I’m here.”
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘American Idol’ Season 24 judges revealed: Here’s who’s returning
