All the Info on 'American Idol' 2025, Including the Judges, Host and How to Audition

American Idol is back for its eighth season on ABC (Season 23 overall) and the unscripted series is currently auditioning contestants in its search for the next singing sensation with returning judges Lionel Richieand Luke Bryan, new judge Carrie Underwoodand host Ryan Seacrest .

"This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America's hearts on Idol and launched her successful multi-Grammy Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television," said Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group, in making the announcement in early August. "This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie."

In the above first photo released from the set of American Idol , Carrie is enveloped in gorgeous pink dress that shows off her sculpted legs that fans love . She's joined by fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan along with host Ryan Seacrest.

Here's everything we know about American Idol to date:

What is the release date for  American Idol 2025 ?

American Idol will premiere on March 9, 2025, but first, ABC will air a special preview episode following the live telecast of The Oscars on Sunday, March 2. The preview will give viewers a first look at the new judging panel -- Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie -- as well as host Ryan Seacrest as the search for the next singing superstar begins.

When is American Idol on?

American Idol will return to its regular spot at 8 p.m. ET Sunday nights.

Who are the American Idol judges in 2025?

Lionel Richie

Luke Bryan

Carrie Underwood

New judge Carrie Underwood told SiriusXM host Buzz Brainardduring an interview in Las Vegas for The Highway's Music Row Happy Hour special.

"I like to think that I am versatile. Hopefully, when I listen to people come and audition, I can have any lens I need to put on in terms of what music I'm thinking."

Then she added that when it comes to judging, "I think I can be honest and constructive but still kind. And I think that's the whole point, 'cause people are coming in and, you know, it's dreams. You're a part of somebody's story from that moment on. I think it's important to be honest, but it's also very important to be kind, so hopefully I can marry all of those together and be a good judge."

Related:  American Idol Replacing Katy Perry With Its Most Successful Alum Carrie Underwood

Who is the host of American Idol ?

American Idol wouldn't be American Idol without Ryan Seacrestas host. He's the only original cast member remaining.

How to audition for American Idol 2025

Sign up for a live virtual audition with one of the producers at americanidol.com/auditions .

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Who will be the American Idol Artist in Residence?

Jelly Rollreturns to American Idol as this season's "Artist in Residence," a new role following his stint as a mentor in Aulani last year. He will be a permanent fixture this season and will work closely with the Idol hopefuls, giving them first-hand advice on how to navigate the journey. His first appearance will be during Hollywood Week.

Who will be the mentors for the American Idol contestants in 2025?

With Jelly Roll serving as the Artist in Residence, it's most likely there won't be mentors this season.

Is there an American Idol 2025 trailer?

Ahead of her debut as a judge on American Idol, Carrie looks back over the last 20 years since her life-changing win.

Related: How Billie Eilish Helped Abi Carter Win American Idol

Who won American Idol 2024?

Abi Carter, 21, from Indio, Calif., won  American Idol in 2024.

"Voters of this show have definitely favored males for a while, and I just cannot even begin to express how honored I am because it's hard for a girl to win, so for them to give me that honor is just incredible," Abi said backstage after her win.

There were a lot of powerful performances on finale night, but one for Abi, who became the first Platinum Ticket holder to win American Idol, was her performance of "Somewhere" from West Side Story.

Lionel Richie said: "That was a show-stopping moment. It doesn't get any better than that when you can take it down to silence and kill the show."

When did American Idol begin?

The reality singing series premiered in 2002 on FOX. In 2016, after several seasons of declining ratings, FOX canceled the series. Then, on March 11, 2018, a revival of the series began airing on ABC.

How do you vote for American Idol ?

Fans of American Idol who are at least 13 and reside in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, can vote online at AmericanIdol.com/vote , in the American Idol app, or via text when the live shows begin.

How to watch American Idol on TV and online

Tune into the competition on ABC, or stream on ABC.com or the ABC app after signing in with your TV service provider.

Related: Luke Bryan Sends a Bold Message to Carrie Underwood Before She Joins American Idol

How to stream American Idol

American Idol can be streamed live with an on-demand ABC subscription or watch it the next day on Hulu .

Is American Idol on Netflix?

Unfortunately not. But it is on Hulu!

What time is American Idol on?

American Idol airs on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET.

What channel is American Idol on?

American Idol has aired on ABC since March 2018. The series originally aired on FOX from 2002-2016. If you miss the original airing, check it out on Hulu the next day.

Next, Fans Call Kelly Clarkson's Carrie Underwood Cover 'The Best Thing to Come Out of American Idol '