American Idol Secures 25th Season, Auditions Begin Aug. 25
ABC has renewed the music‑competition series for its 25th overall season – the network’s 10th – and plans to launch the next edition in 2027. The show will stream the following day on Disney+ and Hulu, with live episodes also available on Disney+.
Auditions start on August 25 with the virtual “Idol Across America” search, open to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The first 250 registrants on VIP Day secure a spot. Additional regional open‑call dates run through late September. Contestants must be born between June 2 1997 and February 15 2012 to be eligible.
The judging panel of Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan is expected to return, though the network has not confirmed the lineup or host Ryan Seacrest. The series is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, part of Sony Pictures Television.
Entities: ABC · American Idol · Carrie Underwood · Lionel Richie · Luke Bryan · Season 25
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] American Idol is entering its 25th season. (American Idol season announcement)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Auditions for American Idol Season 25 will begin on August 25 and run through September 28. (audition_schedule)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The first 250 singers who register on August 25 will automatically secure a VIP‑Day spot. (VIP_day)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Contestants must be born between June 2 1997 and February 15 2012 to be eligible for Season 25. (eligibility)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie are expected to return as judges for Season 25. (Industry speculation on judging panel)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan are expected to return for Season 25. (judges_expected)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Season 25 auditions will begin on August 25, 2026 with the virtual “Idol Across America” search covering all 50 states and Washington, D.C. (All articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] American Idol is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, part of Sony Pictures Television. (production_company)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Country singer Hannah Harper won season 24 of American Idol. (Article 09a5931a‑88d2‑42fd‑9e04‑b7e2d0e0da4d)
- [● 4 SOURCES] ABC renewed American Idol for its 25th overall season and 10th on the network. (renewal)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Season 24 averaged 7.08 million cross‑platform viewers and saw an 11 % ratings increase over the previous year. (Article 09a5931a‑88d2‑42fd‑9e04‑b7e2d0e0da4d)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Season 25 will premiere in 2027 on ABC, with next‑day streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. (premiere_date)