American Idol is already looking ahead to its milestone 25th season, but fans may not see the same judging panel when the show returns.
The series has not officially announced its Season 25 judges yet, but speculation is growing that the next cycle could bring a major shake-up behind the judges’ desk.
The current panel features Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. Bryan and Richie have been part of the ABC-era Idol panel since the show returned in 2018, while Underwood joined after Katy Perry left the series.
For Season 24, ABC confirmed that all three judges returned together, giving fans another year with the same lineup after Underwood’s first season on the panel.
But reports about Season 25 are now raising questions about whether that stability will last. The U.S. Sun reported that insiders believe American Idol could lose two judges before the next season, with Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood named as the two stars most likely to leave.
According to that report, an insider claimed there had been a noticeable “shift in energy” behind the scenes during Season 24. The source alleged that both Bryan and Underwood appeared less fully invested as the show moved toward its next major chapter.
The same report claimed Bryan seemed to be “going through the motions,” while Underwood was described as appreciative of the opportunity but not fully committed in the way producers may have hoped. Those claims have not been confirmed by ABC or the judges themselves.
Bryan’s future has been a subject of speculation before. He has previously suggested that his Idol role is something he approaches one season at a time, which has made fans wonder how long he plans to stay behind the desk.
Underwood’s situation is also unique because she entered the show with a powerful full-circle story. She first became a household name by winning American Idol in 2005, then returned two decades later as a judge.
That nostalgia gave the panel a major emotional boost, especially for longtime viewers. But it also created questions about whether Underwood’s judging role was meant to be a long-term chapter or a special anniversary-era return.
Richie, meanwhile, is being viewed as the most stable figure on the panel. Reports suggest he remains the most enthusiastic of the three and could be the judge most likely to stay if producers decide to reshape the lineup.
Season 25 is expected to be especially important because it marks the show’s 25th overall season. TV Insider noted that the official judge lineup likely will not be confirmed until closer to the summer announcement window.
The show’s future itself looks strong, with reports saying auditions have already opened for the next cycle and Season 25 is expected to air in 2027.
Ryan Seacrest is also expected to remain connected to the show after renewing his ABC deal through the current Idol cycle. He has been the show’s most consistent on-camera presence since its original 2002 launch.
For now, ABC has not confirmed that any judge is leaving. That means the talk around Bryan and Underwood remains rumor, not official news.
Still, the possibility of a two-judge exit has fans watching closely. If Bryan and Underwood do step away, American Idol Season 25 could become more than a milestone anniversary — it could mark the beginning of a completely new era for the show.
