'American Idol' Fans, We Know When the New Season Will Premiere

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American Idol season 22 ended in May 2024, and we celebrated the show's newest winner, Abi Carter!

Heading into the season finale at the time, fans watched Abi, Will Moseley and Jack Blocker sing their hearts out for a chance to become the next American Idol. Amid hearing feedback from judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, along with a myriad of memorable performances from the season's former contestants and celebrated singers, Abi emerged victorious and took the top spot in the competition.

But now that it's 2025, American Idol is officially entering a brand-new era. Between new contestants, a brand-new judge (who has her own history with the show!) and plenty more surprises, fans will be thrilled to know what's next.

Is American Idol returning for season 23 in 2025?

You bet it is! In May 2024, ABC announced that American Idol will be coming back to the network for another season. A joint Instagram post was made between the network and the show.

"Keep the stage lights on because #IDOL will be back for another season on ABC and Stream on Hulu 🤩," read the caption.

Naturally, fans were ecstatic to learn American Idol would be back for another season and voiced their excitement in the comments.

"This show is a national treasure! I hope it runs forever. Can’t think of a better reality show," one person wrote. "This is FANTASTIC NEWS! We are huge fans!!!!!!" another exclaimed. "Yay whoo I can NOT wait!! I’m so excited!! Thank you!!😊❤️," a different viewer added.

Is there a premiere date for American Idol season 23 in 2025?

It's time to mark your calendars — a new season of American Idol will officially have a two-hour premiere on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

The show first released the news back in November 2024, featuring an Instagram snippet with the three judges and Ryan filming together while seated at the famous audition panel.

"On March 9, new #AmericanIdol judge Carrie Underwood joins Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest on the season premiere on ABC & Stream on Hulu! 🎤🤩," read the caption at the time.

What's more, fans are already seeing just a few of the potential contestants trying out this season. Thanks to another clip on Instagram on January 27, fans got to see how some contestants hope getting on American Idol could "change their lives."

"On March 9, lives will change!" read the official caption. "New hopefuls will join together and make their dreams come true."

Who are the judges for American Idol season 23 in 2025?

Presently, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are set to return as judges for American Idol, with Ryan Seacrest once again hosting the competition.

As for who replaced Katy Perry and will join Luke and Lionel at the judges' panel after the singer's exit, American Idol dropped a major bombshell in August 2024. Viewers learned season 4 winner Carrie Underwood will be taking Katy's place to make up the trio of judges, two decades after she won American Idol.

If you're wondering what Carrie will be like as a judge, she spoke to Good Morning America about her new role while performing at the GMA Summer Concert Series.

"I have a problem," she explained in a clip posted on X (formerly Twitter). "I can’t lie. I feel like I’ll be very honest but hopefully I’ll also be very constructive and encouraging... I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I'll be able to offer insight and help and kind of a different viewpoint."

Who are the contestants on American Idol season 23 in 2025?

While we need to tune in to see the full roster of hopefuls trying to win American Idol, the show has been dropping incredible clues on who might make it onto folks' TVs.

During Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in December 2024, Ryan (who is the special's host) and Carrie (who was performing that night) introduced fans to R&B singer Filo. Not only did Carrie praise Filo's singing, but she and Ryan surprised him by giving him a Platinum Ticket ahead of the new season's premiere. Meaning: Filo is one of just three contestants who can bypass the first round of Hollywood Week and go immediately to the next phase in the competition.

But Filo's not the only potential competitor this season. In a surprise post on Instagram on February 5, country music singer Baylee Littrell (whose dad is Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys) revealed he took his shot in trying to become the next American Idol.

"Well guys 😁 recently I had the opportunity to audition for @americanidol 🙏🏼," he wrote. "Tune in to see the season premiere and what happens on 3/9/25!"

Well, this is definitely intriguing...

What else can fans expect from American Idol season 23 in 2025?

Plenty! Variety revealed that American Idol created a brand-new role on the show: artist in residence. Throughout the season, viewers will watch big-time musicians help coach the contestants as they make their way through the competition. And if that's not enough, the new role will start during Hollywood Week.

As for who will be the show's first artist in residence? Well, that's none other than country music sensation Jelly Roll! He officially dropped the news on Instagram on February 4 — and he's already so excited for the new experience.

"Had to lift up @ryanseacrest just like I’m gonna lift up the @americanidol hopefuls! 🙌," he wrote alongside a hilarious video with Ryan. "Honored to be Idol’s first-ever ARTIST IN RESIDENCE—mentoring with heart, soul, and real experience! 🎤💥 I join the show during Hollywood Week, watch it all starting March 9 on ABC & streaming on Hulu!"

Where to watch and stream American Idol season 23:

When the time comes for American Idol to air new episodes in March 2025, fans will be able to watch every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

'American Idol'

at hulu.com

For those who don't have access to TV, there are multiple ways to watch American Idol as it airs live. You can watch the series on ABC's website or on the ABC app, along with live-streaming sites that allow viewers to watch in real-time. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling and FuboTV are all options to choose from, but just be aware you'll need to make an account ahead of airtime.

If you'd rather wait and watch American Idol on your own schedule, the series will also be available to stream on Hulu the next day. If you're not set up with a profile, Hulu offers a number of plans to choose from, starting at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Once you're ready, you can head on over to Hulu's website or the Hulu app and start watching.

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