When Does American Idol Start 2025? Your Complete Guide To Season 23’s Premiere, New Judge, And Schedule

The wait is finally over for the next wave of superstar talent. The highly anticipated Season 23 of American Idol will officially premiere on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. This marks the return of the iconic singing competition as it searches for the next chart-topping artist, bringing with it a brand new, history-making judge and a fresh batch of hopefuls ready to take the stage. Fans should also mark their calendars for a special sneak peek the week before the official two-hour premiere.

This upcoming season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, not just for the incredible vocal talent but for a major shake-up at the judges' table. With the schedule now set, viewers can prepare for a weekly dose of auditions, Hollywood Week drama, and live performances that will dominate Sunday night television for the spring of 2025.

American Idol Season 23 (2025) Key Premiere Dates and Schedule

The 23rd season of American Idol is set to kick off in early March, continuing its tradition of a spring premiere. The journey to crowning the next American Idol will begin with a special event before the official season launch.

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• Special Preview Episode: Sunday, March 2, 2025, following the live broadcast of The Oscars. This special episode will offer a sneak peek at some of the most compelling auditions of the season.
• Official Two-Hour Season Premiere: Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. This is the official start of the competition and the first full episode of auditions.
• Regular Airing Time: The show will continue to air every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
• Auditions Phase: The initial episodes, including the March 9th premiere, will focus on the nationwide auditions, which are expected to run through the end of March.
• Hollywood Week: The intense Hollywood Week is scheduled to begin shortly after the auditions conclude, typically in early April, leading into the live shows.

The season is expected to run for approximately 11 weeks, culminating in the grand finale in late May 2025, where America will cast its final votes for the winner.

The New Judges' Panel: Carrie Underwood Replaces Katy Perry

One of the biggest stories surrounding Season 23 is the departure of long-time judge Katy Perry and the announcement of her superstar replacement. The judging panel for 2025 is a mix of veteran talent and a historic return, ensuring the critiques will be as insightful and entertaining as ever.

The Confirmed Season 23 Cast

• Host: Ryan Seacrest (returning for his 23rd season).
• Judge: Lionel Richie (returning).
• Judge: Luke Bryan (returning).
• New Judge: Carrie Underwood (replacing Katy Perry).

The addition of Carrie Underwood is a monumental event for the show. Underwood, who won Season 4 of American Idol in 2005, returns to the panel as the first former winner to become a full-time judge on the ABC iteration of the series. Her experience as a contestant, a winner, and a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning country music superstar brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the panel.

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The chemistry between Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie is expected to be a major highlight of the season. Her ability to relate to the contestants' journey, from the audition room to the grand finale stage, will undoubtedly provide a new layer of mentorship and topical authority for the hopefuls.

How the American Idol Audition Process Works for Season 23

The search for the next American Idol begins long before the premiere date. For Season 23, the show continued its innovative "Idol Across America" virtual audition process, allowing singers from all 50 states to try out from the comfort of their homes. This method ensures the show finds talent from every corner of the nation, making the contestant pool incredibly diverse.

Key Audition Details

The virtual auditions, known as "Idol Across America," were the primary method for preliminary casting for the 2025 season. This format allows potential contestants to perform live via video conference for an American Idol producer, bypassing the need for massive, in-person stadium tryouts for the initial phase.

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The show's producers hosted virtual audition days dedicated to specific states to ensure a comprehensive national search. States like Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Texas were among those with dedicated virtual audition days. This streamlined process identifies the strongest singers who then advance to perform for the celebrity judges—Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood—in the episodes that will air starting in March 2025.

The pre-taped audition footage, which includes the Golden Ticket winners, is what viewers will see during the first few weeks of the season. These episodes are crucial for introducing the audience to the future stars and the compelling backstories that often define the competition.

Why Season 23 is a Must-Watch for New and Old Fans

Beyond the confirmed March 9th premiere date, the 2025 season offers several compelling reasons to tune in. The transition of the judges' panel is the biggest news, but the show's format continues to evolve to keep the competition fresh and engaging.

The Carrie Underwood Factor: Having a winner return as a judge is a massive boost to the show's legacy. Underwood's journey from a small-town Oklahoma girl to a global music icon is the ultimate American Idol success story. Her presence offers a direct link to the show's roots and provides tangible proof that the competition can launch a career of that magnitude. Her feedback will likely focus on vocal technique, stage presence, and the challenging transition from competition singer to professional artist.

The Host and Veteran Judges: The consistent presence of Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan provides a reliable foundation. Seacrest, the face of the franchise, is the master of ceremonies, guiding the contestants and the audience through the emotional highs and lows. Richie and Bryan, both music industry titans, offer a balance of heartfelt encouragement and practical career advice.

A New Crop of Talent: The "Idol Across America" virtual auditions continue to uncover hidden gems. This process allows singers who may not have had the resources to travel to major cities for an in-person audition to showcase their talent. As a result, fans can anticipate a diverse range of voices, styles, and musical genres, from classic rock and soul to modern pop and country music.

In summary, the American Idol Season 23 premiere on Sunday, March 9, 2025, is more than just a return; it's a re-energized start featuring a historic new judge and a renewed commitment to finding the next great singing superstar. Be sure to catch the special preview on March 2nd and settle in for a season of unforgettable television.