The Countdown Is On: Everything You Need To Know About The American Idol 2025 Start Date, New Judge, And Full Schedule
The wait is finally over: The 23rd season of American Idol is officially set to premiere on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, marking the return of one of television’s most beloved singing competitions. This season is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated in years, not just for the fresh crop of talent, but due to a massive shakeup at the judges' table and the introduction of a brand-new role for a major country music star. Fans should also mark their calendars for a special, early preview episode set to air a week earlier.
The 2025 season promises a fresh, exciting dynamic following the departure of a long-time judge, bringing a former Idol legend back to the show in a completely new capacity. From the return of the iconic host to the introduction of a new "Artist In Residence," this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the premiere date, the full cast, and the key new elements shaping the Season 23 experience.
American Idol 2025 (Season 23) Official Premiere Date and Schedule
The official start date for American Idol Season 23 is scheduled for the second Sunday in March, continuing the show’s tradition of a spring premiere. The season will kick off with a two-hour premiere event, followed by a weekly schedule that will evolve from audition episodes to Hollywood Week and eventually to the live shows.
Key Dates and Air Times
- Special Preview Episode: Sunday, March 2, 2025, on ABC. This special sneak peek is scheduled to air immediately following the live telecast of The Oscars, giving viewers an early look at the season's most compelling auditions.
- Official Two-Hour Premiere: Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
- Weekly Airing Schedule: The show will continue to air weekly on Sunday nights.
- Auditions Conclusion: The televised audition episodes are expected to wrap up on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
- Hollywood Week Start: Hollywood Week typically begins with the first Monday episode of the season, immediately following the conclusion of the Sunday auditions.
- Season Finale: The season is tentatively scheduled to conclude on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
For fans who prefer streaming, episodes will be available to watch the next day on Hulu, ensuring that no one misses the journey of the next singing superstar. The show is broadcast on the ABC network, which has been its home since its revival in 2018.
The New Judging Panel: Carrie Underwood Replaces Katy Perry
The biggest news surrounding American Idol 2025 is the official change in the judges' lineup. After seven seasons, Katy Perry announced her departure, leaving a highly coveted seat open. The show has now confirmed a sensational replacement: Season 4 winner and country music superstar, Carrie Underwood.
The Full Season 23 Cast and Crew
The new panel brings a unique blend of veteran mentorship and fresh perspective, particularly with the addition of an actual Idol champion to the table.
- New Judge: Carrie Underwood. The eight-time Grammy winner and one of the most successful artists in the show's history returns to the stage that launched her career in 2005. Her presence offers a unique, contestant-focused perspective that her peers have praised.
- Returning Judge: Lionel Richie. The global music icon and Oscar-winning songwriter is back for his eighth season on the ABC revival. His wisdom and legendary status continue to provide invaluable mentorship.
- Returning Judge: Luke Bryan. The popular country music star and five-time Entertainer of the Year returns to complete the core judging trio. He is known for his lighthearted humor and practical advice for aspiring artists.
- Host: Ryan Seacrest. The undisputed face of the franchise, Seacrest returns to host his 23rd season of the show, having hosted every single episode since its debut in 2002.
The addition of Carrie Underwood is a strategic move to inject new life and credibility into the panel, leveraging her experience as a contestant who successfully navigated the pressures of the competition to achieve global stardom. This change is poised to be a major talking point throughout the season.
New Roles and Format Details: Jelly Roll Joins the Idol Family
Beyond the judges' table, American Idol Season 23 is introducing a major new component to its format that will significantly impact the contestants: the new "Artist In Residence" role. This addition is a clear effort to increase topical authority and provide even more high-profile mentorship to the hopefuls.
Jelly Roll: The First Artist In Residence
In a fresh, unique twist for the new season, country-rock star Jelly Roll has been announced as the show's first-ever "Artist In Residence."
- Role Description: Unlike a one-off mentor, the Artist In Residence will be involved throughout the season, working closely with the contestants across various stages of the competition, from the early rounds to the live shows.
- Impact: Jelly Roll, known for his unique blend of genres and inspiring personal story, will provide continuous guidance, helping the hopefuls navigate the challenges of performance, stage presence, and the music industry.
This new role is a testament to the show's commitment to evolving its format and providing its contestants with modern, relevant industry coaching. The presence of a major current artist like Jelly Roll adds significant star power and mentorship depth to the competition.
The Audition Process: Idol Across America
The search for the next American Idol began months before the premiere, utilizing the successful "Idol Across America" virtual audition format. This process allows aspiring singers from all 50 states to audition virtually with a producer via Zoom, singing live from their own homes.
- Virtual Auditions: The virtual process, which has been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic, has proven effective in discovering diverse talent from across the country, including places like North Carolina and Texas, which held specific virtual audition days.
- On-Air Auditions: The initial episodes of Season 23 will feature the best of these virtual and in-person auditions, showcasing the talent that received the coveted golden tickets to Hollywood Week.
With a refreshed judging panel, the return of familiar faces, and the exciting new addition of an Artist In Residence, American Idol Season 23 is poised to be a must-watch television event when it premieres on March 9, 2025. The combination of classic competition and new format elements ensures a compelling and unpredictable season.
American Idol Season 23 Key Entities and Topical Authority
To provide a comprehensive overview of the upcoming season, the following entities and key phrases are relevant to the Season 23 discussion:
- Network: ABC (American Broadcasting Company)
- Streaming Platform: Hulu
- Host: Ryan Seacrest
- Returning Judges: Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie
- New Judge: Carrie Underwood (Season 4 Winner)
- Departing Judge: Katy Perry
- New Role: Artist In Residence
- Artist In Residence: Jelly Roll
- Season Number: Season 23
- Premiere Date: March 9, 2025
- Special Preview: The Oscars (March 2, 2025)
- Audition Process: Idol Across America (Virtual Auditions)
- Competition Rounds: Hollywood Week, Live Shows, Grand Finale
- Genre: Singing Competition, Reality Television
- Former Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr.
- Executive Producer: Megan Micheals Wolflick
- Historical Significance: Season 4 (Carrie Underwood's winning season)
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