American Idol is officially bringing back its familiar judging panel for Season 25, putting an end to the recent questions surrounding Lionel Richie’s future on the show.
The milestone 25th season will feature Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood returning to the judges’ table. Ryan Seacrest is also set to return as host when the singing competition comes back in 2027.
The announcement came Thursday, September 24, during Luke Bryan’s star-studded concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Carrie Underwood joined Bryan onstage for the surprise announcement, while Richie appeared through a video message on the arena’s big screen.
Richie teased the announcement by greeting the Nashville crowd and highlighting the friendships he has developed with his fellow judges before Bryan revealed that the trio would be returning for the show’s 25th season.
Underwood then confirmed another familiar face would be back as well, announcing that Ryan Seacrest would continue as host.
The news arrives shortly after concerns about Richie’s health had raised questions about whether he would be able to return to the judging panel.
The 77-year-old music icon recently underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib. According to his representative, the procedure went well, and Richie is taking some time to recover before returning to the stage.
His recent health issues had also affected his touring schedule. Several performances with Earth, Wind & Fire were canceled or postponed following his hospitalization and procedure.
Despite those setbacks, Richie’s return to American Idol is now confirmed.
Richie and Bryan have been part of the judging panel since the show’s ABC revival, while Underwood joined the series as a judge for Season 23. Season 25 will mark another season with the same three musicians behind the judges’ table.
The announcement also gives fans a clearer picture of what to expect from the upcoming milestone season, although the exact premiere date has not yet been announced.
American Idol Season 25 is expected to premiere in 2027 on ABC, with episodes also available through Disney+ and Hulu. Auditions for the new season are already underway.
For now, the biggest question surrounding the judging panel has been answered: Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood are all coming back.
And with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, Season 25 will reunite the same core lineup that guided the competition through its previous season.
