WHEN American Idol debuted, the panel was led by Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul.
Since then, the Emmy-winning competition series has seen a rotation of judges.
Who are the American Idol judges?
Returning to the judges’ table for American Idol season 23 are Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Season 23 also sees Carrie Underwood make her debut as a judge.
Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest is back as the reality show’s host.
Season 23 marks the seventh time Lionel and Luke have returned to Idol’s judges’ panel.
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Carrie Underwood
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On August 1, 2024, Idol revealed Carrie Underwood was joining the judges’ table for season 23.
On May 25, 2005, Carrie won Idol season 4 over runner-up, Bo Bice.
“I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since,” stated the Grammy winner.
“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show.”
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The network commented: “As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she [Carrie] brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television.
“This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.
“She embodies the true spirit of Idol as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story.
“Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way.”
The announcement followed Katy Perry’s departure after season 22.
Luke Bryan
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On September 24, 2017, Luke became the second judge to sign on for American Idol season 16.
“I’m so excited and proud to announce that I will be one of the three judges,” the country music star said in a statement.
“I’m excited at the chance to help some deserving artists reach their dreams.
“To be in a position in my career to help facilitate this along with the other judges is just a complete honor. It’s gonna be a blast.”
Lionel Richie
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On September 29, 2017, Lionel was the third and last judge to sign on for Idol season 16.
Regarding the opportunity, the Sail On hitmaker shared: “I am very excited to be joining Katy, Luke, and Ryan on American Idol.
“As a singer, songwriter, and producer, I feel I can bring a great deal of experience to the table. It’s going to be so much fun!”
Before he officially joined the long-running series, Lionel was in talks to join the earlier seasons but it never panned out.
He explained to The Hollywood Reporter: “I was a touring artist, so I didn’t really lock in because I was always on the road…but I’d see it in a hotel room and pick it up here and there.
“As time went on, [original judge] Simon [Cowell] and I became very good friends.
“Simon said, ‘Would you like to stop by for a minute?’ And I did. I met Ryan for the first time…
American Idol winners
American Idol is a reality TV show that currently airs on ABC.
“…And then segue to now, I never in a million years would think that I would be sitting here talking about, ‘OK, kid, now you need to raise your voice a little more and you need to get your personality together.’
“But the point is, we have the knowledge, You wake up one morning and realize we know exactly where you are because we were there.”