American Idol Confirms Returning Panel and Host for Season 25

Luke Bryan announced that he, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest will return for American Idol’s 25th season, expected to air on ABC in 2027. Bryan made the announcement during a concert in Nashville on Thursday, with Underwood appearing alongside him and Richie joining by video message, according to reports of the event. The announcement keeps the show’s current judging panel and host in place for its milestone season. Bryan, Richie and Underwood are set to serve together for a third consecutive year. Seacrest, who has hosted the program since its first season, will also return. No premiere date for the new season has been specified. The return was announced as Richie recovers from a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm condition. His representative said the procedure went well and that Richie was doing well but would take some time off before returning to the stage. Reports say the condition had affected his recent touring schedule, but accounts differ on the number and timing of his hospitalizations. Those totals have not been established consistently. One report said Richie is expected to resume his Las Vegas residency on October 14.