American Idol has been renewed for season 24, and there's a lot to know about the next installment of the beloved and long-running reality singing competition series. American Idol season 23 welcomed back host Ryan Seacrest, along with judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. For the first time since ABC revived the show in 2018 after its 2016 cancellation by FOX, there was a shakeup at the judges' table as season 4 winner Carrie Underwood took Katy Perry's place, when Katy left the show after seven seasons in order to focus on her own music career.

American Idol season 23 was one of the most extraordinary in the show's history, with so much sensational talent. The winner was Jamal Roberts, while John Foster was the runner-up, and Breanna Nix placed third. Jamal is the eighth winner in the ABC era of the show, taking his place among champions Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Just Sam, Chayce Beckham, Noah Thompson, Iam Tongi, and Abi Carter. Here's everything to know about American Idol season 24.

American Idol Season 24 Latest News

American Idol Will Return For A New Season

In a May 2025 Instagram post, American Idol announced that the show will return for another season. The caption read, "Dim the lights... here we go. #AmericanIdol is coming back for another season!," which was a nod to Ryan's catchphrase when he announces the results of the votes. No premiere date for American Idol season 24 was given yet, but it can be assumed that the show will return in early 2026 if it follows the same pattern as every other ABC season. In the comments section of the post, American Idol shared that online auditions were open.

American Idol Season 24 Auditions Are Underway

American Idol Hopefuls Can Send In Their Auditions

In an Instagram post, season 23 winner Jamal saying, "You could be the next American Idol! So go sign up on americanidol.com/auditions." The caption read, "IDOL changed @officialjamalroberts’ life—and it could change yours, too! Audition today!"

The official American Idol audition page (americanidol.com/auditions) revealed that the show is accepting video auditions, but hopefuls can also sign up to audition in person in Nashville at CMA Fest on June 6, 2025. The window for submitting an audition video began at 12:01 AM (PT) on May 4, 2025, and ends at 11:59 PM (PT) on November 1, 2025.

American Idol has eligibility requirements for people who want to audition. Hopefuls must be born between June 2, 1996, and February 15, 2011, and be legal U.S. residents. People who competed in any previous season of American Idol and placed first in the competition are ineligible to audition again. Full eligibility requirements are available on the website.

Are The American Idol Season 23 Judges Returning For Season 24?

Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan Judged Season 23

It's not yet known if American Idol season 23 judges Carrie, Lionel, and Luke will return for season 24, but there are some positive signs that they might. In an interview with Carrie, Lionel, and Luke to come back for season 24, executive producer and showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick stated "It’s early days still, but I love our . I think we’re in a good place. I’m excited for them to crown their first winner together as a threesome. They’re all ionate about the show."

Megan also revealed that the announcement about American Idol season 24's judges will happen in the near future. She said, "Obviously, American Idol is coming back as a show, and we already have thousands of submissions coming in for next season. So the momentum is coming, but we’ll have to stay tuned. We never share our hand before the end of the season, but it should be coming soon, and we’re excited about the show doing so well."

Megan added, "The live shows have really had a nice uptick in viewership, and we’ve actually grown a ton from the premiere to now. In this kind of eroding television world, it’s pretty awesome."

In addition, in an interview with E! News after the American Idol season 23 finale, Carrie seemed to hint that she wants to return for season 24. She said, "I had a lot of fun, for sure. I didn't know how I would feel about it. And Luke and Lionel, and the crew, [and] the people who work on the show are just so easy to be around." When asked if she felt that the three of them should be back next season, she replied, "I mean, that would be cool, I think."

For over 25 years, American Idol has been a beloved pop culture phenomenon. It's amazing that over two decades after Kelly Clarkson was crowned the first-ever American Idol, the show is still going strong. So many superstars, including winners Kelly, Carrie, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, Scotty McCreery, and Phillip Phillips, along with finalists Jennifer Hudson, Katharine Mhee, Chris Daughtry, and Adam Lambert, have begun their magnificent careers on the show. American Idol season 24 is certain to carry on the show's spectacular legacy.

American Idol is available to stream on Hulu.

Sources: American Idol/Instagram, American Idol/Instagram, americanidol.com/auditions, American Idol Eligibility Requirements, TVLine, E! News