When Does“ American Idol ”Come Back? All About the Show’s 2025 Season — Including Which Alum Is Returning as a Judge!

American Idol is returning just in time for spring, and season 23 will mark a homecoming for the show’s newest judge: Carrie Underwood.

Carrie — who won season 4 of the singing competition two decades earlier — joins judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan and longtime host Ryan Seacrest for the 2025 season, making it the first time an American Idol alum has made their way from the stage to the judge’s table.

This is a “full circle moment” for both Carrie and viewers, said Craig Erwich, the president of Disney Television Group, in a statement. “As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television," he added. "Welcome home, Carrie."

Now, she'll share her thoughts and notes with hopefuls across America trying to earn a ticket to Hollywood and ultimately, to the finals. With the latest crowned idol Abi Carter releasing her debut album and going on tour since clinching the win in May 2024, it's time to find the next powerful voice.

Here's everything to know about American Idol’s 2025 season, including when it will premiere, how to watch the new episodes and the latest details about the series' return.

When does American Idol season 23 start in 2025?

American Idol season 23 premieres on March 9 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

After the reality competition show kicked off its auditions in August 2024, the judges traveled to different corners of the U.S., stopping at cities and towns over several weeks.

American Idol fans will get a preview of the upcoming season on March 2, when ABC airs a special after the 97th Oscars, which may be around 10:30 p.m. or so. While it won’t be a full episode, fans can watch 30 minutes of Carrie stepping into her new role and a few of the early rounds of auditions, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Who are the judges on American Idol 2025?

The new season of American Idol will be led by judges Lionel, Luke and Carrie.

Five years after Lionel, Luke and Katy Perry were tapped to judge American Idol season 16, the trio stuck together for a number of installments until season 22. In February 2024, Katy announced she was leaving the series and teased new music during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Following the emotional season 22 finale in May 2024, American Idol revealed that it would be coming back and later that August, Good Morning America unveiled Carrie as Katy's replacement.

Speaking to the morning news program, she spoke about what kind of judge she would be, and the "Before He Cheats" vocalist shared that she was always honest but strived to be helpful.

Most recently, the singing competition series shared a teaser showing Carrie entering the audition room back in 2005, cut with new footage of the country singer approaching the judge’s table.

“I can’t believe it. Twenty years ago today, I was standing on a stage just like this one,” she said in the clip, surrounded by her fellow judges and longtime host Ryan.

Is there a trailer for American Idol season 23?

While a full trailer for the new season has not yet been released, the reality TV competition show shared a video showcasing highlights of Carrie’s first season as a judge after previously appearing as a guest mentor.

In the preview, Carrie, Lionel and Luke watch people audition and when the “Some Hearts” singer asks one contestant who her musical inspirations are. The woman responds, “I’m looking at her.”

However, the new season of American Idol seems to have also prompted Lionel, Luke and Ryan to go down memory lane as well. On New Year's Eve 2024, the show posted a clip on its Instagram, featuring snippets of their early career days.

"You never forget that moment that changed everything," Luke said.

What have the judges said about American Idol season 23?

Although there hasn’t been too much shared about season 23’s contestants, the judges gave a preview of what viewers can expect in an Instagram video posted in November 2024.

“We are finding some incredible talent,” Carrie said, adding she’s loving being on the show as a judge.

Meanwhile, Luke shared that he was “starting to fall in love” with the new group, and Lionel further teased the "out of this world" talent.

Who was the last winner of American Idol?

Abi Carter was crowned the winner during the season 22 finale, which aired in May 2024.

She concluded her run with a performance of her own original song, “This Isn’t Over,” and a version of Billie Eilish's “What Was I Made For?”

It was a sweet moment for Abi and judges Lionel, Luke and Katy because Abi sang the same ballad at her audition.

“Thank you for being an example of singing from your heart,” Katy said. “What were you made for? You were made for this. 100%.”

Where can I watch and stream American Idol?

When American Idol season 23 premieres on March 9, fans can watch new episodes live on the ABC channel via a TV. Alternatively, viewers can tune it on the ABC website or the ABC app.

For those who can't watch episodes in real time, catch up on Hulu the next day.

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