Carrie Underwood & Jessica Simpson Tease Future at ‘American Idol’ Finale (Exclusive)
Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan have received a return ticket to Hollywood.
The American Idol trio will be back as judges for the singing competition series’ ninth season on ABC (season 24 overall), the network announced Aug. 25.
Underwood—who won season four in 2005—made her debut as a judge last season, while Richie and Bryan have been mainstays since 2018.
ABC has yet to confirm if longtime host Ryan Seacrest will return after he recently took over hosting duties from Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune.
And while the new season won’t premiere until next year, season nine’s “Idol Across America” virtual auditions kick off Aug. 26 taking place across all 50 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C.
“Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions,” according to ABC. “Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.”
