We now know which three music superstars will be seated on the judges’ panel when American Idol returns for Season 24 in early 2026.

Luke Bryan , Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood are all confirmed to be returning for the new season, TVLine has learned; though he wasn’t included in ABC ‘s announcement, Ryan Seacrest is expected to return as host, barring any future changes.

Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie Courtesy of ABC

Bryan and Richie have been part of the judges’ panel since Idol debuted on ABC in Season 16, making this their ninth season judging together. Underwood, who was first introduced to Idol viewers as the winner of Season 4, made her debut as a judge in Season 23; she took over from Katy Perry, who sat between Bryan and Richie for Seasons 1

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