The band will be back together on American Idol. ABC has confirmed Emmy winner Ryan Seacrest will return as host for Season 9, the track competition series’ 24th overall, joining previously announced returning judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. Season 9 will premiere in January on ABC and Hulu.
Longtime Idol host Seacrest was missing from ABC’s judges announcement in August, prompting some speculation as to whether he would be back for the upcoming season. But as Deadline reported at the time, sources said Seacrest’s offer had not closed yet, but he was fully expected to return, and ABC has today confirmed that.
American Idol has ranked as a leading unscripted series during its eight seasons on ABC. Last season’s finale ranked No. 1 on the night, No. 1 for the week in primetime, and earned the best Total Viewer audience in two years, according to the network. Season 8 winner Jamal Roberts’ first single, “Heal,” also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel chart in May 2025.
Season 9 auditions are currently underway with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
“Idol Across America” auditions allow Idol hopefuls to show off their talents before an American Idol producer for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.
“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):
- Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sep 9)
- Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sep 11)
- East Coast open call (Sep 12)
- The South open call (Sep 15)
- Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sep 16)
- West and Midwest open call (Sep 18)
- Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sep 19)
- Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sep 22)
- Nationwide open call (Sep 24)
American Idol is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.
Information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition can be found here.
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