Who are the American Idol judges?
SINCE American Idol’s inaugural season in 2002, the singing competition has seen a rotation of judges.
Katy Perry, 39, revealed that she would be leaving the singing competition series after seven seasons – meaning a new judge is to take her seat.
The shows 23rd season will feature a new face – American Idol winner alumni Carrie Underwood.
It was announced that Carrie, 41, is set to sit alongside Luke Bryan, 47, and Lionel Richie, 74, for the show’s 23rd season (Season 8 with ABC), Deadline reports.
Here’s everything viewers need to know about the new season’s selection of panellists.
Who are the American Idol judges?
Returning to the judges’ table for American Idol season 23 are Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest is back as the reality show’s host.
Season 23 marks the seventh time Lionel and Luke have returned to Idol’s judges’ panel – but Carrie is brand new.
Luke Bryan
Country singer and songwriter Luke Bryan has been an Idol judge for six years.
The chart-topping legend has won ‘Entertainer of the Year’ five times, awarded by both the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association.
The 48-year-old has been married to Caroline Boyer since 2006, and have a son called Thomas, 16.
Lionel Richie
Iconic international superstar Lionel Richie has been a judge on American Idol for the past six seasons.
Contestants have come onto the show just to impress Richie, with one duo performing his hit ‘Hello’.
Richie is currently unmarried but has three children from two previous spouses – Nicole, Sofia and Miles.
Nicole and Sofia have lived in the limelight, with Nicole starring alongside Paris Hilton in TV series The Simple Life and the world obsessing over Sofia’s wedding to Elliot Grainge in 2023.
Their brother Miles hit the headlines recently after being spotted smooching British reality TV star Chloe Sims, 42.
Carrie Underwood
When she was 21 years old, Carrie sang I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt in front of the OG judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul.
The country music icon made it to the very end where it was between her and Bo Bice.
After several moments of dramatic silence, host Ryan Seacrest announced that Carrie was the next American Idol.
Since then, she has had a very successful career including releasing eight studio albums and one Christmas album.
This year, Carrie has her very own Las Vegas residency called Reflection where she recently announced more shows for next month and October.
Carrie also has her fitness app called Fit52 where she shares exclusive videos of herself doing a variety of workouts.
The Cowboy Cassanova singer appeared several times on Idol as a mentor and gave a stellar performance during the season finale in 2022.
Katy Perry’s Departure
The pop music sensation joined the show in 2018 to be a judge with Luke and Lionel.
In February, Katy broke the news that Season 22 would be her last.
She said, “This fall, in September, I’m going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio.
“So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol.
“I mean, I love Idol so much.
“It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I need to feel that pulse of my own beat,” the star concluded.
“I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”
American Idol winners
American Idol is a reality TV show that currently airs on ABC.
Season 23 of American Idol began in February 2023. The winners of each season are as follows:
- Kelly Clarkson – Season 1
- Ruben Studdard – Season 2
- Fantasia Barrino – Season 3
- Carrie Underwood – Season 4
- Taylor Hicks – Season 5
- Jordin Sparks – Season 6
- David Cook – Season 7
- Kris Allen – Season 8
- Lee DeWyze – Season 9
- Scotty McCreery – Season 10
- Phillip Phillips – Season 11
- Candice Glover – Season 12
- Caleb Johnson – Season 13
- Nick Fradiani – Season 14
- Trent Harmon – Season 15
- Maddie Poppe – Season 16
- Laine Hardy – Season 17
- Just Sam – Season 18
- Chayce Beckham – Season 19
- Noah Thompson – Season 20
- Iam Tongi – Season 21
Where can I watch American Idol?
In early 2025, Idol is scheduled to debut its 23rd season.
Every Sunday, viewers can tune in to a new episode at 8 pm EST via ABC.
After the new episodes premiere, fans can stream the competition on either the ABC app or Hulu.