Carrie Underwood Reveals She'll Be Returning To 'American Idol' For Season 24 In An Instagram Reel
In a back-to-school themed teaser, the American Idol Instagram account shared a video this week of the last panel of judges from the iconic singing competition series, Carrie, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, all prepping lunch boxes and sipping coffee as they revealed they would all be returning for season 24.
"Your favorite judges are back and class is in session!" wrote American Idol in the reel's caption. "Idol Across America auditions start this week! Sign up!"
Starting September 3rd, open call auditions across the country will open back up for contestants to sing and try out in front of the three legendary musicians in hopes of becoming America's next superstar vocalist. First having won the fourth season of the competition series back in 2005, the "Before He Cheats" singer has long been associated with the show, and pleased fans when she signed on to be a judge twenty years later for season 23.
She quickly became a beloved judge by avid fans of the show, and after season 23 wrapped in May, people began to worry she wouldn't do it again, and threatened to stop watching if she didn't go back. But now, she is!
Fans React To Carrie's Return To 'American Idol' On Social Media
As soon as the announcement that the three popular judges would be back on the show, the internet began buzzing, with many people pleased to see the three familiar faces. However, once fans started leaving comments, many of them were about Carrie, as people were thrilled to know she'd be returning for sure.
"So happy Carrie Underwood is back!" commented an Instagram user.
"Best news ever," added another. "So excited."
"That's awesome!" wrote a fan. "Wouldn't want it any other way."
Others also couldn't help themselves from pointing out how great the mom-of-two looks, especially after she went back to her natural hair color a few weeks ago.
"Carrie looks so good with her natural hair color," wrote a fan.
"Carrie, you look stunning!" added another, as one fan wrote they were "obsessed with her hair color."
The 24th season of American Idol is slated to premiere at some point in 2026, and viewers are clearly very excited to see what it will bring. Regardless, it looks like they're definitely planning on watching now that the season four champion and the two award-winning men will be back on their screens.