# American Idol Season 25 production updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/american-idol-season-25-production-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-19T16:43:03.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

ABC has confirmed the host and judging panel for the 25th season of ‘American Idol’, which is scheduled to return in early 2027. Ryan Seacrest will return as host, while the judging panel will remain unchanged with Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. This upcoming season marks the 10th year for both Bryan and Richie as judges on the ABC version of the program.

A notable change for the new season is the relocation of production to the Atlanta, Georgia area, ending more than 20 years of filming in Los Angeles. Luke Bryan stated in an interview that the show has become “like a family” to him and that he anticipates the milestone season will feature “many nostalgic moments.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Luke Bryan to mark 10th year as American Idol judge

Luke Bryan will return to American Idol in early 2027, marking his tenth year as a judge during the show’s 25th season.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luke-bryan-to-mark-10th-year-as-american-idol-judge

### 2026-09-25: American Idol confirms host and judges for Season 25

ABC has confirmed that Ryan Seacrest and judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will return for ‘American Idol’ Season 25 in 2027, with production moving to Georgia.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-idol-judges-luke-bryan-carrie-underwood-and-lionel-richie-confirmed-for-season-25

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Cite as: American Idol Season 25 production updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/american-idol-season-25-production-updates