The “American Idol” season 24 judges have been revealed — and things are looking very familiar. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are all back! See what fans are saying about the new season’s judging panel.
‘American Idol’ Sees Return of Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie
They’re back! On August 25, 2025, the judges for the new season of “American Idol” were confirmed.
The show leaned into the back-to-school timing of the announcement in an Instagram video titled, “Idol University.”
In the video, Underwood, Bryan, and Richie are seen prepping for the new season. Bryan notes, “Class is back in session.”
Underwood explains, “And this year, we’re majoring in music as we help launch your dreams.”
Richie chimes in to say, “Hello! I’m your professor of positivity.”
Bryan is the “professor of fun,” noting he’s “serious, but fun.”
“Sign up for my class,” Underwood says. “You’ll be blown away!”
Richie explains how they are all back “for another amazing season of Idol University.”
He adds, “The only thing that’s missing is you.”
Fans React to Latest ‘American Idol’ Season 24 Update
“Idol” fans lit up the comments section to share their excitement over the announcement, with many thrilled to see Underwood back at the judges’ table.
“Yayyy Carrie,” one fan wrote. Others noted, “THANK GOD CARRIE IS BACK” and “Excited Carrie is back.”
One “Idol” fan noted, “Love these three together! (Especially Carrie).”
Another wrote, “Yay!!! 👏 So glad Carrie is coming back! So excited for the next season of @americanidol.”
“Yay I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!” another commenter shared.
Others cheered on Luke, writing, “Professor of Fun has his marg ready for class!” and “Thank god Luke is back!!!”
Of course, Richie got rave reviews as the “professor of positivity.”
“Catch me seated and ready for class! Let’s gooo!!” one fan gushed.
In an April 2025 interview with Billboard, Underwood said that going from an “Idol” contestant (and winner!) to a judge was “difficult” and she was taking her role “really seriously.”
“I’m just so happy to be here. It’s definitely different, but it’s difficult,” she said at the time.
Underwood added, “I mean, when we’re discussing contestants, ‘Are they going to make the top 24?’ It’s a show, but it’s people’s lives and I’m like, ‘I was on these [contestant] boards 20 years ago and they were moving my picture around trying to see what board I was going to fit into,’ so I take it really seriously.”
2 thoughts on “‘American Idol’ Season 24 Judges Revealed: Is Carrie Underwood Returning?”