If you’ve been watching the "Idol" revolving door for the last couple of decades, you know things get a little chaotic whenever a big star decides to hang up their hat. When Katy Perry walked away after seven seasons to focus on her own music and world tour, everyone sort of held their breath. Would they bring back a legend? A TikTok star?
Honestly, the show made the smartest move possible last year by bringing in "Idol" royalty, and the good news is that the momentum isn't stopping. For Season 24, which is officially premiering on January 26, 2026, the gang is staying together.
Who are the judges this year on American Idol?
The big reveal happened a few months back with a "back-to-school" themed video that basically confirmed what fans were hoping for. The trio is locked in. We’re looking at Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood returning to those iconic seats.
It’s kind of a big deal because Carrie is officially entering her sophomore year as a judge. After the confetti settled on Season 23—where we saw Jamal Roberts take the crown—there was a lot of internet chatter about whether Carrie would actually want to come back. Some people thought she was "too nice" or that she looked a little uncomfortable delivering the "no" votes. But hey, she’s back. And she’s clearly found her groove.
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Lionel Richie: The Professor of Positivity
Lionel is basically the glue of this show at this point. He’s 76 years old and still has more energy than most of the contestants. He’s been there since the ABC reboot started in 2018. If you want a masterclass in how to tell someone they aren't ready for Hollywood without crushing their soul, you watch Lionel. He calls himself the "Professor of Positivity," and it fits. He isn't just a judge; he’s the guy who reminds these kids that even if they fail today, they’ve got a story to tell.
Luke Bryan: The Professor of Fun
Then you’ve got Luke. He’s the "Professor of Fun," and he usually has a thermos of coffee (or whatever else is in there) and a joke ready to go. Luke brings that loose, Nashville energy that keeps the show from feeling too stiff. He’s been on the panel for nine seasons now, which is wild to think about. He and Lionel have this bromance that’s become a staple of the show. You can tell they actually like each other, which isn't always a given on these reality sets.
Carrie Underwood: The Full-Circle Queen
The real story, though, is Carrie. She’s the first former winner to ever sit at the judges' table full-time. That gives her a level of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) that no other judge can really claim. When she looks at a nervous 18-year-old from a small town, she’s not just judging them. She was them back in 2005.
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Last year was a bit of a learning curve for her. She admitted in interviews that it was hard to say no. She knows exactly how much that moment means. But as Season 24 kicks off, expect her to be a bit sharper with her critiques. She’s "majoring in music" this year, as she put it in the promos.
Why the Season 24 Panel Matters
There was some behind-the-scenes drama—or at least rumors of it—before this lineup was finalized. Reports surfaced that Carrie wasn't actually the network’s first choice to replace Katy Perry. Names like Miley Cyrus, Pink, and Meghan Trainor were reportedly tossed around in those high-level Disney meetings.
Some insiders claimed the decision to hire Carrie wasn't even unanimous at first. But after Season 23 saw a huge jump in ratings and the finale became the most-watched in two years, the execs clearly realized they had a winning formula. The dynamic works. You have the R&B legend, the country superstar veteran, and the "Idol" success story. It covers all the bases.
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What about Ryan Seacrest?
It wouldn't be "Idol" without him. Ryan is back for Season 24, continuing his streak as the only person who has been there since day one in 2002. He’s the heartbeat of the production. While the judges handle the talent, Ryan handles the chaos of live TV, and he’s still the best in the business at it.
What to expect from the judges this season
Auditions for this season actually started back in August 2025 with the "Idol Across America" virtual tour. The judges have already seen thousands of hopefuls before the cameras even started rolling for the televised auditions.
- More specific technical feedback: Since Carrie is more settled in, expect her to dive deeper into vocal mechanics.
- The "Country" Lean: With two country stars on the board, people often worry the show is becoming "Nashville Idol." However, Lionel usually does a good job of championing the R&B and soul singers to keep things balanced.
- The Platinum Ticket: It’s back. The judges will once again be hunting for those standout performers who get to skip the first round of Hollywood Week.
Honestly, the chemistry this year feels more settled. Last year was about "How does Carrie fit in?" This year is about "How do they find the next superstar together?"
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow along this season, here is how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Mark your calendar: The season premieres Monday, January 26, 2026 on ABC. It’s moving to a new night, so don't miss the kickoff.
- Check the streaming schedule: If you don't have cable, episodes drop on Hulu the day after they air.
- Follow the "Idol University" social tags: The show is leaning heavily into this school theme for Season 24. Following their Instagram and TikTok will give you glimpses of the auditions that didn't make the final cut.
- Listen to Jamal Roberts' new music: If you want to see what the judges are actually looking for, listen to last year’s winner. His single "Heal" hit No. 1 on the Gospel charts, proving the "Idol" machine still has some serious power in 2026.