Pop superstar Carrie Underwood is officially confirmed to return as a judge on Season 24 of American Idol, the Fox-originated singing competition now airing on ABC and Hulu. The series returns in 2026 with the award-winning artist joining veteran judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for another round of talent discovery.
This marks another full-circle moment in the Idol universe. Underwood first rose to fame by winning Season 4 of the show in 2005 and now becomes one of the few graduates to return to mentor hopefuls from the judge’s chair—making her one of its most notable alumni to date.
Underwood previously stepped into the judging role during Season 23 (2025), where she replaced Katy Perry and brought a polished, experienced perspective to the panel—a shift both nostalgic and forward-looking.
As for Season 24, the competition format remains intact while auditions kick off virtually across the U.S. starting August 26. The show is set to return to screens on ABC and Hulu in 2026.
