Who are the American Idol judges?
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.
Carrie Underwood
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."
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.
"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...
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"...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."