Fans of television singing competitions have plenty to look forward to, with both American Idol and The Voice officially preparing for milestone seasons. But while NBC has already revealed almost everything viewers need to know about the next season of The Voice, American Idol is still keeping one particularly important detail under wraps.
American Idol has officially been renewed for Season 25, marking the 25th overall season of the long-running competition and its 10th season since ABC revived the series. New episodes are scheduled to arrive sometime in 2027.
The search for the next winner is already beginning.
The show’s Idol Across America auditions are returning in late August, allowing aspiring singers from across the United States to audition virtually in front of producers. Online submissions are also being accepted as producers begin assembling the Season 25 contestant pool.
But while contestants are already being recruited, ABC has yet to answer the question many longtime viewers are asking: Who will actually be sitting behind the judges’ table?
Season 24 featured Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, with Ryan Seacrest continuing as host. All three judges returned for the 2026 season, but as of the latest confirmed information, ABC has not formally announced the judging lineup for Season 25.
That uncertainty is particularly interesting because the current trio has developed its own chemistry.
Carrie joined the judging panel after Katy Perry’s departure and brought a unique perspective as someone who actually won American Idol herself. Luke and Lionel, meanwhile, have been fixtures of the ABC era for years.
So despite plenty of fan speculation that the trio could stay together, their return should not yet be treated as official.
The Voice, on the other hand, has already removed almost all of that mystery.
Season 30 will premiere on Monday, September 21, 2026, with a dramatically refreshed coaching lineup featuring Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Queen Latifah and Riley Green.
Kelly’s return is particularly significant for longtime viewers.
The former American Idol winner became one of the most successful coaches in Voice history during her previous seasons, while Adam Levine is returning as one of the franchise’s original coaches.
Alongside them are two newcomers bringing completely different backgrounds.
Country star Riley Green is making his coaching debut and has already been discussing his strategy for convincing singers to choose his team during the Blind Auditions. He even had his familiar red chair customized to accommodate his signature cowboy hat.
Then there’s Queen Latifah, whose career has crossed hip-hop, singing, acting and producing.
Her addition gives Season 30 one of the most varied coaching panels the show has assembled, with each coach representing a noticeably different corner of the music industry.
NBC is already thinking beyond that season as well.
In spring 2027, the franchise will launch The Voice: Celebrity for Season 31, featuring famous contestants rather than aspiring unknown performers. Queen Latifah and Riley Green will remain coaches, joined by Joe Jonas, while Keke Palmer will host the special edition.
That means The Voice currently has two seasons mapped out while American Idol is still holding back one of the most recognizable pieces of its own upcoming season.
The contrast makes the next Idol announcement even more interesting.
Season 25 is already official. Auditions are beginning. The show is returning in 2027.
But the names sitting beside that famous American Idol logo have yet to be confirmed.
For now, fans know exactly who will be battling from the red chairs when The Voice returns September 21.
With American Idol, however, the biggest unanswered question remains whether Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will all return together for the show’s landmark 25th season—or whether another judging shake-up is coming.
