American Idol Season 24: Find Out Which Judges Are Returning and How to Audition

Cue the sounds of vocal warmups and strumming guitars because American Idol is returning to make more dreams come true.

Back in the spring, in May 2025, Jamal Roberts was crowned the winner of American Idol season 23, with what host Ryan Seacrest said was the “biggest finale vote in show history.” Roberts won over John Foster and Breanna Nix, who placed second and third, respectively.

More recently, in August 2025, ABC announced details about the upcoming season of the long-running singing competition series, including which judges are returning and how to audition. The new installment will be season 24 in the show’s overall history, and season 9 since being revived on ABC.

Now that fall is around the corner, American Idol is actively looking for talent and Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood are helping spread the word in a back-to-school themed video.

Here’s what to know so far about American Idol season 24.

When is the American Idol season 24 release date?

American Idol season 24 will be released sometime in 2026, but an exact premiere date has not been revealed.

Since moving to ABC, the new installments have debuted in February or March. American Idol season 23 premiered in March 2025 and concluded two months later, in May. According to ABC, the finale was “the show’s most-watched telecast in two years.”

Who are the judges on American Idol season 24?

Richie, Bryan and Underwood are returning as judges for American Idol season 24. This will be the second season in which the trio is searching for America’s next superstar singer.

In May 2025, ahead of the season 23 finale, Underwood spoke to PEOPLE about coming back to the series, this time as a judge, saying, “I owe my career to American Idol.”

“It has been such an important part of my life and I will always be grateful for that,” the “Denim & Rhinestones” singer added, who won the competition in 2005. 

“Coming back as a judge 20 years later is such a special full-circle moment for me,” she continued. “And it’s meant a lot to share that journey with the people that have been there from the beginning, as well as a whole new generation of Idol fans.”

Is Ryan Seacrest coming back to host American Idol season 24?

While the August 2025 announcement confirmed the season 24 judges, it did not reveal whether longtime host Seacrest will also be coming back. He has been the face of American Idol since hosting the first season in 2002.

In the meantime, Seacrest will return to host the upcoming seasons of Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, both of which premiere in September 2025.

Is there a trailer for American Idol season 24?

A full trailer has not been released for American Idol season 24, but a brief teaser featuring Richie, Bryan and Underwood was posted on the official American Idol Instagram account.

“Class is back in session,” Bryan said in the school-themed “Idol University” clip, featuring the three judges.

“And this year, we’re majoring in music, as we help launch your dreams,” Underwood added as she packed school lunches.

The video continued with Richie proclaiming himself to be the “professor of positivity,” and Bryan quipped that he was the “professor of fun … serious but fun.”

“Sign up for my class, you’ll be blown away,” Underwood teased.

When are auditions for American Idol season 24?

While the premiere date is unknown, auditions are already underway for American Idol season 24.

“Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search, kicked off on Aug. 26 with a special “First 900” VIP Event. The virtual auditions will take place across America, in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., throughout August and September.

“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,” the ABC press release stated.

It continued, “Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.”

The first nationwide open call is on Sept. 3, with other ones happening around the country throughout the rest of the month.

For more info, check out the American Idol auditions website.

Where can I watch American Idol?

American Idol airs on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu the next day.