By Kayla DeKraker
ABC and Hulu officially confirmed that Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will return as judges for AMERICAN IDOL Season 24.
“Class is back in session,” Bryan said in an Instagram video. “And this year we’re majoring in music as we launch your dreams,” Underwood added as she packed school lunches.
“Hello, I’m your professor of positivity,” Richie continued. “Professor of fun here, serious, but fun,” Bryan added. Underwood said, “Sign up for my class, you’ll be blown away.”
“The three judges are back for another amazing season of Idol University. The only thing that’s missing is you,” Richie concluded.
Related: Carrie Underwood Can’t Wait for Her Return to AMERICAN IDOL
This is the same group that led Season 23, which was Underwood’s first time as a judge on the show that made her famous.
People in the comment section shared their excitement. “So happy Carrie Underwood is back!!!” one fan said. Another person added, “Best judges ever.” Another said, “I love these 3 together!”
The press release didn’t say whether or not Ryan Seacrest will return, but as he’s hosted the show since 2002, it’s likely he’ll be back.
Auditions to appear on the next season began Aug. 26. Those who want to compete can submit an audition video.
“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,” a press release revealed. “Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.”
ABC renewed AMERICAN IDOL for a 24th season back in May, but at the time, some speculated that Underwood wouldn’t return after undergoing criticism of “being too nice.” Apparently, that is not the case!
In May, Underwood reflected on her time on the hit singing competition.
“I think about my journey on AMERICAN IDOL all the time because it’s so grand, it’s so unbelievable,” she began. “If somebody were to explain to me…my journey in their words, I would’ve been like ‘That’s impossible…To go from someone who was going to school, trying to figure out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life, and just kind of on a whim go to try out for AMERICAN IDOL…to keep going and then end up the last person standing, and everything that’s happened since then it just sounds insane.”
She concluded, “If I hadn’t made that one decision in my life, my life would be completely different. It’s just a blessed journey that I’ve been on.”
A release date for season 24 has not yet been announced, but it will likely return for the 2026 late winter season.
Read Next: Carrie Underwood Gets Nostalgic and Dishes on Judging AMERICAN IDOL
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