‘American Idol’ Reveals Future of Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on Heels of Carrie Underwood Hire

Katy Perry announced her departure from American Idol back in February, leaving viewers in limbo. The “I Kissed a Girl” singer had served as a judge alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie since the show’s 2018 reboot on ABC. Fans finally got some answers Thursday (Aug. 1) when Idol confirmed that season 4 winner Carrie Underwood would take Perry’s place. Now, we also know that Bryan and Richie are returning to their Idol thrones, along with host Ryan Seacrest.

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie Returning to ‘American Idol’

In a social media post Thursday (Aug. 1), American Idol confirmed that Carrie Underwood will be the only “new” face at the season 23 judges’ table. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will each return for their eighth straight season. Additionally, Seacrest will extend his hosting streak to 23 seasons. The TV personality has helmed the singing reality competition show since its 2002 inception.

“Welcome back, y’all!” the post read. “@ryanseacrest, @lionelrichie & @lukebryan are returning for more #AmericanIdol laughs & love in Spring 2025!”

One Instagram user joyfully commented, “The Georgia and Alabama boys are back!!!!”

Many fans expressed relief that the Idol starring lineup will remain largely unchanged in 2025. “Thank goodness!” wrote one Instagram user. “Love them and so excited for Carrie Underwood to join!”

Speaking to Billboard in July, Bryan disclosed that his own Idol future remained uncertain, along with Richie’s.

“It’s been something Disney been really tight-lipped about with me and Lionel and Ryan,” said the “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” singer. “We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”

‘Idol’ Showrunner Calls Carrie Underwood “The Perfect Fit”

When Carrie Underwood takes her place next spring alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, she will become the first American Idol alum to make the leap to judge.

“Her global superstar status as the most successful Idol winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show,” said Megan Wolflick, showrunner and executive producer of American Idol. “She embodies the true spirit of Idol as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story.”