Which judges are returning? When is casting nationwide?

The “American Idol” judging trio of Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will return for season 24 of the 23-year-old televised singing competition program.

“American Idol” will air on ABC in 2026 after a season finale that topped ratings and drew 1.65-plus billion social media video views in 2025 overall.

Three months ago, season eight winner Jamal Roberts’ debut single “Heal “also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel chart.

Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie will return as “American Idol”‘s judges in 2026.

The “Idol Across America” search for contestants returns Aug. 26.

Bryan and Richie have been “American Idol” judges throughout its eight-year tenure on ABC. Underwood — a 2005 contestant whose victory launched her into stardom — joined the judging panel last season.

Idol co-host Ryan Seacrest is likely to return as well.

In their first season together, alongside appearances from performers like Jelly Roll, The Hollywood Reporter notes that “American Idol” averaged over 7 million cross-platform viewers over five weeks in 2025.

When are ‘American Idol’ auditions taking place?

Live, regional “Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change). Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location.

Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 27)
Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 28)
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 2)
Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Sept. 4)
Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sept. 8)
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 9)
Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sept. 11)
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 16)
Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 19)
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 22)