The search for a brand-new American Idol is about to begin.
Season 23 of ABC’s singing competition show is returning this March with season 4 winner Carrie Underwood serving as a judge for the very first time.
“It has been so amazing being part of American Idol as a judge,” she shared via Instagram in November 2024. “We are finding some incredible talent.”
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Returning judge Lionel Richie agreed that the talent is “out of this world,” while Luke Bryan hinted that he’s already rooting for some specific singers.
A Look Back at Carrie Underwood’s ‘American Idol’ Winning Season
“We are starting to fall in love with them,” he teased, “and we cannot wait for you guys at home to fall in love with them too.”
Keep reading to learn more about season 23 of American Idol:
When Does ‘American Idol’ Season 23 Premiere?
A special preview of American Idol will air following ABC’s live telecast of the 2025 Oscars on Sunday, March 2. The season’s official season premiere will be Sunday, March 9.
Who Are the Judges for ‘American Idol’ Season 23?
Richie and Bryan are returning for another season of Idol, while Katy Perry is stepping away to prepare for The Lifetimes Tour.
“I love Idol so much,” Perry told Jimmy Kimmel in February 2024. “It’s connected me with, like, the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat, you what I’m saying?”
In August 2024, ABC confirmed Underwood would be replacing the “Firework” singer for season 23.
What is Carrie Underwood’s History With ‘American Idol’?
Back in 2005, Underwood competed on season 4 of American Idol and won the entire show. Since her victory, the Grammy winner has returned to the series on multiple occasions with her most recent appearance as one of the season 16 mentors.
“It is 20 years since she auditioned in St. Louis for American Idol, and to have the first ever Idol alum on the panel has always been something that’s been interesting to me,” showrunner and executive producer Megan Wolflick told Entertainment Tonight in August 2024. “She is our queen, she is our icon of American Idol.”
What Is Jelly Roll’s Role in ‘American Idol’ Season 23?
For the first time in Idol’s history, the show will have an “Artist in Residence” who helps mentor contestants on their journey. For season 23, country singer Jelly Roll will hold the title and assist singers as they try to make it to the finals.
“I feel like I’m giving them the energy they need,” he said in a video released by ABC. “I’m uplifting and trying to get ’em goin’!”
‘American Idol’ Judges Through the Years and Why They Left
What Has Ryan Seacrest Teased About ‘American Idol’ Season 23?
While the judges have stayed mum on what to expect in the new season, host Ryan Seacrest couldn’t help but express his excitement about what’s to come.
“I think [Carrie’s] going to be great,” he said on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in September 2024. “It’s such a full-circle moment for us and the show to have somebody that’s become such a massive superstar come back and be a judge. The producers led the charge on that and then she and I traded texts after the deal was done, but I’m excited to have her back. She’s got an amazing heart and amazing career so it’s going to be a different look.”
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