American Idol will retain Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood as judges, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host for Season 25. The announcement provides continuity as the programme prepares for a significant change: relocating production to Georgia.

This will be the third consecutive season with the same judging trio, while Seacrest continues as host, a role he has held since 2003. Auditions began last month through the virtual Idol Across America tour, following recent changes including social voting, a Nashville-based Hollywood Week, Monday broadcasts and Disney+ livestreaming; Lionel Richie is also expected to begin a Las Vegas residency after a recent heart procedure.