As American Idol completes its 23rd season, speculation is building around whether Carrie Underwood will return to the judging panel for Season 24.
The country singer replaced Katy Perry on the judges' panel, joining Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan this year, marking her return two decades after winning the show’s fourth season in 2005.
Underwood's presence offered both nostalgic appeal and valuable critique. According to showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, Carrie “really had to carve out her own role. She was stepping into the shoes of a former judge, but she needed to be her own person, and she definitely did that.”
Megan praised Carrie’s balance of nostalgia and constructive feedback, noting that she “knows back in her day how hard she was pushed every week to become the best.”
While Carrie has yet to confirm her return, neither Bryan nor Richie—judges since 2018—have signalled any plans to step away. Megan added, “It’s early days still, but I love our panel. I think we’re in a good place. I’m excited for them to crown their first winner together as a threesome. They’re all passionate about the show.”
Though no official announcements have been made, Megan confirmed the series is returning. “Obviously, American Idol is coming back as a show, and we already have thousands of submissions coming in for next season.”
Fans will need to wait a little longer to find out if the current judging panel will return intact.
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