Lionel Richie is back with a charming message for “American Idol” fans. In a new video promoting Season 24, the long-time judge makes a hilarious case for why viewers should tune in, teasing what fans can expect from the upcoming episodes.
The video, shared on social media, shows Richie hyping the show’s return alongside fellow judges, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood, promising plenty of new talent while bringing the same expertise viewers have come to expect from the trio. His lighthearted pitch is a reminder of why the competition remains a must-watch for fans.
Judges Trio Participate in a Fun New Promo Video for Season 24
The new video was posted to the official American Idol Instagram with the caption, “If you aren’t watching #AmericanIdol on January 26, I don’t want to hear it!”
“Listen and be nice while Lionel tells you—” begins Bryan.
“Tells you!” emphasizes Underwood.
“Why you should watch ‘American Idol,'” finishes Bryan before stepping out of the way to let Richie take center stage.
Richie starts to list the reasons. “First of all we got talent. Do we have talent? We got more talent than you’ve ever seen before in your life. Next thing you got, is you got people who know what the heck they’re doing,” Richie says, cheekily referring to the judges panel.
“More importantly than ever, we got you!” Richie says to the viewers. “We’re the baddest show on television.”
Bryan jokingly pretends that he has to hold Richie back as he gets “aggressive.”
The “Idol” Instagram account added a comment in support of Richie’s message. “Tell ‘em, @lionelrichie! 👏”
Fans of the show were delighted to see the hilarious video from the judges promoting their newest season.
“I mean, how can we say no to Lionel? 😍” commented Kelly Sutton.
“Y’all better listen to the legend Lionel Richie,” a fan added.
“You guys look so cute doing this. Maybe I will start to watch again.”
“Love you guys. You’re the best.”
Everything We Know About Season 24 So Far
GettySeason 24 will start significantly earlier than the last. The upcoming season will premiere on ABC on Monday, January 26, 2026. This marks the earliest start in a decade and, if the show ends mid-May as it always does, it will be the longest “Idol” season since it moved to ABC in 2018, according to The Boot.
Richie, Bryan, and Underwood are back, marking Underwood’s second season as a judge. Seacrest will be returning as host.
One notable change in Season 24 will be the elimination of “Hollywood Week.” A Golden Ticket will now get you to Nashville for Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover, focusing on a single, high-stakes round.
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