Overview

• ABC confirmed Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return to the panel for the 2026 cycle, marking their second season together.
• Idol Across America producer auditions begin Aug. 26 with a mix of virtual open calls covering all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., running through late September.
• Hopefuls first sing virtually for an American Idol producer with the chance to advance to judge auditions at a later stage.
• The upcoming run is the franchise’s 24th overall season and the ninth on ABC/Hulu, following a 2025 finale that ranked No. 1 for the night and week.
• The announcement was delivered in a back-to-school themed video, and multiple outlets report Seacrest is expected to return though no deal has been announced.