American Idol secures Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie for 2026 season as auditions open
ABC says Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie will all return to American Idol for the 2026 season. It’s the show’s 24th season overall and ninth on ABC. Underwood, who joined the panel in 2024, heads into her second year alongside Bryan and Richie. Reports say Ryan Seacrest is set to host again. Auditions are already underway through Idol Across America.