American Idol Confirms Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest for Season 25

American Idol may be relocating but its judging panel and host remain unchanged.

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will return as judges for Season 25 of the music competition series, joined by longtime host Ryan Seacrest.

Bryan shared the announcement from the stage during a performance in Nashville, Tennessee.

The trio of Bryan, Richie and Underwood marks their third year evaluating contestants together, while Seacrest continues as the sole host—he originally co-hosted with Brian Dunkleman in Season 1 and has held the role solo since 2003.

The series was renewed for its 25th season—or Season 10 on ABC—in July, though finalizing judge contracts typically takes several months afterward.

Auditions began last month with the traditional Idol Across America tour, a virtual search scouting talent nationwide.

However, the most significant update is the show’s relocation to Georgia. While Bryan and Underwood reside in Tennessee—making the new location more convenient for both—Richie splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, as does Seacrest.

Richie recently underwent a heart procedure to address atrial fibrillation and had to cancel several tour dates, though he is expected to launch his Las Vegas residency next month.

Fremantle and Sony Pictures Television’s 19 Entertainment produce the series, with Megan Michaels Wolflick serving as showrunner.

Last season marked a transformative period for Idol, introducing social media voting for the first time, moving Hollywood Week to Nashville, Tennessee, premiering on Monday nights instead of Sundays, and beginning live streaming on Disney+.

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