American Idol has confirmed its 25th season, with the "Idol Across America" audition phase set to launch on Tuesday, 25 August. This is a landmark milestone for the long-running singing competition, which continues to search for new talent across the United States following Hannah Harper's win over Jordan McCullough in the most recent series. Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie praised Harper's stage presence during her victorious run, and the show is now inviting a fresh wave of hopefuls to try their luck.

The new audition format allows contestants to try out for producers remotely or at scheduled open-call events, with dates running from late August through to late September across nearly every US state. A VIP Day on 25 August will offer the first 250 registered singers a guaranteed audition slot before registration closes. To be eligible, applicants must have been born between 2 June 1997 and 15 February 2012, and the new season will air on ABC with episodes also streaming on Disney+.