Is American Idol headed back to Hollywood? On Friday, ABC announced new seasons of several of its returning shows.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, American Idol has been renewed for Season 9 (its 24th season overall).
Videos by PopCulture.com
This will mark American Idol‘s ninth season with ABC. The reality series was on FOX for the beginning of its run. Following a revival, American Idol returned in 2018 with a brand new judges panel that consisted of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. Ryan Seacrest, who has hosted since the show’s inception, also returned to hosting duties.
In early 2024, Perry announced that she would be exiting American Idol. While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote the show’s seventh season, she explained, “I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean, I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat, you know what I’m saying, Jimmy?”
After months of speculation about who would take Perry’s place, it was announced that former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood would join the series as a judge for Season 8. During an appearance on Good Morning America, Underwood confirmed her return and noted that heading back to the singing competition “feels like home.” She added, “There’s so many people that still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant, and I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help.”
More Reality
-
Photo by Fred Hayes/Disney via Getty Images -
Photo by Getty Images -
Photo by Ser Baffo/Disney via Getty Images) -
Photo by Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images -
Mel B at the "America's Got Talent" Season 21 Red Carpet held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 24, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Images) -
“Reverse the Curse” – Back from tribal, tensions rise following the exit of a particularly historic player. The final five immunity challenge ends in a showdown and features one of the closest finishes the show has ever seen. Jeff reveals the outcomes of the remaining in-game fan votes and how they impact the final stage of the competition. Then, one castaway will be crowned Sole Survivor and awarded the $2 million prize, during the three-hour live season finale, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, May 20 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Jeff Probst serves as host and executive producer. Pictured: Aubry Bracco Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
