American Idol is officially returning for Season 25 in 2027, marking a major milestone for the long-running singing competition. Although ABC has confirmed the renewal, fans are still waiting for an exact premiere date and more details about what the upcoming season will bring.

The network announced the renewal in July, and preparations for the new season are already underway. Auditions began in August through the show’s virtual talent search, Idol Across America, giving singers across the country a chance to compete for a place in the competition. In September, the show also revealed its judging panel for Season 25.

First launched on Fox in 2002, American Idol ran for 15 seasons before ending its original run in 2016. ABC revived the series in 2018, and the show has continued for nine seasons on the network. With Season 25 approaching, here is what fans need to know about its return.

When does American Idol Season 25 premiere?

American Idol Season 25 is confirmed to premiere in 2027, but ABC has not announced a specific date yet.

During its ABC run, the show has typically premiered in February or early March. However, Season 24 began earlier than usual, launching at the end of January. It also aired just one night per week throughout the season, unlike previous installments that often expanded to two nights a week once the Live Shows began.

Whether Season 25 will follow the same schedule as its predecessor remains unclear. Fans will have to wait for ABC to share more information about the premiere and weekly broadcast plans.

Who are the American Idol Season 25 judges?

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood will return as judges for Season 25. The trio will work together for a third consecutive season, continuing the panel that guided contestants through Seasons 23 and 24.

Bryan revealed the news during a concert in Nashville, where Underwood joined him on stage. Richie also appeared in a video message to celebrate the announcement.

Bryan and Richie have served as judges throughout all nine seasons of American Idol on ABC. Underwood joined the panel in Season 23, replacing Katy Perry, who had judged alongside Bryan and Richie from Seasons 16 through 22.

Richie has recently faced some health concerns, but he appears to be recovering and is expected to return for the show’s milestone season.

When did American Idol Season 25 auditions begin?

Auditions for Season 25 began on August 25 through Idol Across America, the show’s nationwide virtual search for new talent. The program gave eligible singers from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., an opportunity to audition for producers without traveling to a single audition location.

According to ABC, participants could perform face-to-face with an American Idol producer through virtual auditions on official audition dates, regardless of where they lived. Singers could also participate during designated open-call dates, and eligible applicants from around the world were welcome to audition.

August 25 was reserved for VIP Day. The first 250 singers who registered received a chance to audition for producers. The nationwide Idol Across America search officially began on August 26 and continued through September.

Contestants who pass the initial audition stage will have the opportunity to audition for Bryan, Richie, and Underwood later this fall.

For now, the judges’ return and the ongoing audition process are the biggest confirmed updates for Season 25. ABC has yet to reveal the official premiere date or additional details about the competition format, leaving fans with more news to anticipate before the show’s 2027 return.