“Like He Never Left”: Ryan Seacrest’s Return to ‘American Idol’ Season 24 Feels Less Like a Comeback — And More Like a Homecoming

Ryan Seacrest will continue to host “American Idol” in its upcoming 24th season, due sometime in 2026.

He’ll be joined by Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who will return to the judge’s panel for their second year as a trio. “American Idol” Season 24 is the series’ ninth season on ABC and Hulu following a long run on Fox.

Seacrest has been with “American Idol” since its first season in 2002. He co-hosted that season with Brian Dunkleman, who did not return for Season 2. Since then, Seacrest has steered the ship as a solo host. Outside of “Idol,” he hosts “Wheel of Fortune” following the retirement of Pat Sajak, and he hosts “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

This year’s Season 23 marked Underwood’s first stint on “Idol,” while Bryan and Richie have been judges since Season 16 in 2018. Until 2025, they served alongside Katy Perry, who exited the show ahead of Season 24.

Auditions will begin on Aug. 26 with “Idol Across America,” a live, virtual, nationwide search for the next winner. Prospective “Idol” contestants will audition virtually in front of a producer, with the hopes of moving on to the next round of judge auditions. “Idol Across America” auditions start Tuesday with a “First 900” VIP event before moving to Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and all across the South. The auditions will hit all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., ending on Sept. 22 with Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming, before a nationwide open call on Sept. 24.

A top-rated unscripted series, “American Idol” has produced music superstars like Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, Season 5 contestant Chris Daughtry, Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert and Season 3 contestant Jennifer Hudson. With more than 16 million albums sold, Season 4 winner Underwood is the best-selling “Idol” alum.

“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Megan Wolflick is the showrunner, and she executive produces alongside Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman of 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.