The hit singing competition is not yet confirmed to return for its tenth season on ABC, 25th overall, in early 2027, but it’s looking good. Here’s everything to know so far.

Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie

Disney/Brian Bowen Smith

Key Points

American Idol returns for its 10th ABC season and 25th anniversary in 2027.
Ryan Seacrest returns as host; judges include Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood.
Auditions are open; fans can watch on ABC, Disney+, or stream next day on Hulu.

Dim the lights… here we go! It isn’t official but it looks good for American Idol to be back for a tenth season on ABC. It will mark the 25th year overall for the singing competition series, so if it happens, it looks to be a special anniversary celebration year with a lot of surprises planned.

The reason it looks good is the announcement that auditions are open for the next season, but according to a source at ABC, auditions are always open, so it isn’t a confirmation.

Here’s what we know so far about a potential American Idol 2027.

What is the release date for American Idol 2027?

American Idol will premiere in the first few months of 2027. The exact date has yet to be revealed, and it also hasn’t been shared if it will stay on Monday nights or move back to Sunday.

Who are the American Idol judges in 2027?

While there has been some gossip about a change of judges for the new season, we’re sticking with the tried and true until further notice.

Lionel Richie

Lionel RichieDisney/Brian Bowen Smith

This will be Lionel’s 10th season as a judge on the ABC version of the singing competition.

Luke Bryan

Luke BryanDisney/Brian Bowen Smith

This will be Luke’s 10th season as a judge on the ABC version of the singing competition.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie UnderwoodDisney/Brian Bowen Smith

This will be Carrie’s third season as a judge on the ABC version of the singing competition, which she won in 2005, the fourth season.

Who is the host of American Idol 2027?

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan SeacrestDisney/Brian Bowen Smith

There’s no doubt that Ryan Seacrest will be returning. American Idol wouldn’t be American Idol without Ryan Seacrest as host. He’s the only original cast member remaining.

How to audition for American Idol 2027

Auditions are already underway. Sign up for a live virtual audition with one of the producers at americanidol.com/auditions.

Who won American Idol 2026?

As of this article’s publication, the winner of American Idol Season 24 has yet to be determined.

When did American Idol begin?

The reality singing competition premiered in 2002 on FOX with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. In 2016, after several seasons of declining ratings and several changes of judges, FOX canceled the series. Then, on March 11, 2018, a revival of the series began airing on ABC.

How to vote on American Idol

Fans of American Idol who are at least 13 and reside in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, can vote online at AmericanIdol.com/vote, in the American Idol app, or via text during the live shows.

How to watch American Idol

Tune into the competition on ABC or Disney+, or stream on ABC.com or the ABC app after signing in with your TV service provider. Stream next day on Hulu.

How much do American Idol contestants get paid?

According to TV Insider, in order to compete in the live shows, the competitors have to obtain an AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) membership, which costs $3000. Once they are part of the union, they can earn $1,571 for a two-hour show, $1,303 for a one-hour episode, and $910 for a half-hour episode, per numbers in 2016. Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that competitors get a $400 weekly wardrobe allowance. And, yes, they get to keep their outfits.

How to stream American Idol

American Idol can be streamed live with an on-demand ABC subscription or watch it the next day on Hulu.

Is American Idol on Netflix?

Unfortunately not. But it is on Hulu!

What channel is American Idol on?

American Idol has aired on ABC since March 2018. The series originally aired on FOX from 2002-2016. If you miss the original airing, check it out on Hulu the next day.