American Idol ‘to likely lose TWO judges’ in major show shake-up for Season 25 as stars’ hearts ‘just aren’t in it’

AMERICAN Idol could be headed for a major judging panel shake-up as two of its biggest stars are already thinking about exiting after Season 24, The U.S. Sun has learned.

Behind the scenes, insiders claim morale has noticeably shifted among the show’s A-list judges – which includes Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.

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American Idol Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan visit SiriusXM’s front row event at SiriusXM Studios on March 24, 2026 in New York CityCredit: Getty
An insider has exclusively told The U.S. Sun that there has been a “huge shift in energy” on the American Idol set this season with all three music superstars.

“I would bet that these judges are on their way out,” the source claimed.

The insider didn’t hold back, adding that both Carrie, 43, and Luke, 49, specifically appear more disengaged as the long-running competition heads toward its milestone 25th season.

“Carrie and Luke’s heart don’t seem to be in it anymore. Especially Luke, he seems like he’s just going through the motions,” the source claimed.

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“Carrie doesn’t seem like she wants to be there anymore, even with the show catering to her needs and trying to make her happy.

“And then with Luke, he seems like he’s just going through the motions,” the source repeated.

Meanwhile, Carrie, who returned to the Idol world after launching her career by winning Season 4 of the show, is said to be appreciative of the role, but not fully invested this time around.

“Carrie seems grateful for the opportunity and is polite to everyone but you can tell she doesn’t fully want to be there.”

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Carrie Underwood looks gorgeous in a black and white bow dress on the Idol stageCredit: Getty

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Luke Bryan has been a fixture on American Idol every season since ABC rebooted the seriesCredit: Getty
“She acts like she regrets taking this gig again so it would be shocking to the crew if she returned,” they alleged.

While two judges may be on shaky ground, Lionel is reportedly the steady force keeping the panel grounded.

“Lionel is the most stable one of the three and seems the happiest to be there.

“If anything, he might stay to anchor the show after Carrie and Luke leave,” the insider claimed.

Still, the source noted that at least one, if not both, of the judges are expected to walk away when the current season wraps.

“I’d think at least one, if not both of them, will leave after this season.”

Luke previously hinted that he was considering leave Idol behind, and admitted he’s taking his role as judge “year-by-year.”

Carrie’s involvement with American Idol has long been viewed as a full-circle moment.

She first rose to fame as the winner of American Idol Season 4 in 2005, becoming one of the most successful alumni in the show’s history before later returning to the franchise in a judging capacity.

Her addition to the panel came after Katy Perry exited the show following Season 22, marking the end of an era for the rebooted series.

All of American Idol’s Judges

The original trio of judges – Simon, Paula, and Randy, pioneered reality television and shattered ratings records during their run on the singing competition. Here are all of the A-listers who have followed in their footsteps:

Paula Abdul
Seasons 1 – 8 (2002 – 2009)

Simon Cowell
Seasons 1 – 9 (2002 – 2010)

Randy Jackson
Seasons 1 – 12 (2002 – 2013)

Kara DioGuardi
Seasons 8 – 9 (2009 – 2010)

Ellen DeGeneres
Season 9 (2010)

Steven Tyler
Seasons 10 – 11 (2011 – 2012)

Jennifer Lopez
Seasons 10 – 11 (2011 – 2012) & Seasons 13 – 15 (2014 – 2016)

Mariah Carey
Season 12 (2013)

Nicki Minaj
Season 12 (2013)

Keith Urban
Seasons 12 – 15 (2013 – 2016)

Harry Connick Jr.
Seasons 13 – 15 (2014 – 2016)

Katy Perry

Seasons 16 – 22 (2018 – 2024)

Luke Bryan

Seasons 16 – Present (2018 – )

Lionel Richie

Judge: Seasons 16 – Present (2018 – )

Carrie Underwood

Season 23 – Present (2025 – )

Luke and Lionel have been fixtures of the show since its ABC revival in 2018.

Both joined the judging panel alongside Katy when the series was rebooted by Disney after its original Fox run, quickly becoming fan-favorite staples for their chemistry and mentorship style.

Katy, for her part, served as a judge from 2018 until her departure in 2024, when she announced she would be stepping away to focus on music and other projects.

The Teenage Dream singer’s exit opened the door for Carrie’s return – a move that initially thrilled longtime fans but now appears to be facing behind-the-scenes challenges.

With Season 25 on the horizon, producers may soon be forced to make critical decisions about the future of the judging panel – and the overall direction of the show.

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For now, fans are left watching closely as tensions quietly simmer behind the scenes – and as the fate of the judges hangs in the balance.

Season 24 of Idol announced its Top 14 this week, although the Top 12 were originally going to be revealed but the show suffered unprecedented technical difficulties.

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Ryan Seacrest, pictured here with Lionel, Carrie, and Luke, has hosted every season of Idol since its premiereCredit: Getty

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American Idol Judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie visit SiriusXM’s front row event at SiriusXM Studios on March 24, 2026 in New York CityCredit: Getty