When Does American Idol 2025 Start? 5 Shocking Details About Season 23's Premiere Date, New Judge, And Schedule

The wait is finally over: *American Idol* Season 23 officially premieres on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. This highly anticipated return marks a significant shift for the long-running singing competition, which is coming back with a brand new judge and a fresh perspective on the audition process. Fans should also mark their calendars for a special sneak peek episode airing a week earlier, immediately following the live telecast of The Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

The 2025 season is poised to be one of the most talked-about in the show’s history, primarily due to the dramatic change in the judging panel and the departure of a fan-favorite. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the premiere, the full schedule, the new lineup of judges, and what major format changes to expect as the show heads into its eighth season on the ABC network.

The Official American Idol Season 23 Premiere Date and Full Schedule

The official two-hour premiere of *American Idol* Season 23 will air on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in its coveted 8 p.m. ET/PT time slot on ABC. This date aligns with the show’s tradition of launching its new season in early spring. The season is scheduled to run through the spring, culminating in a grand finale in May 2025.

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Key Dates for the American Idol 2025 Schedule:

• Special Preview Episode: Sunday, March 2, 2025 (Following The Oscars).
• Official Two-Hour Premiere: Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
• Audition Wrap-Up: The initial audition episodes are expected to continue through Sunday, March 30.
• Hollywood Week Begins: The crucial Hollywood Week segment, where the singers face intense challenges, is set to kick off on the first Monday episode of the season, Monday, March 31, 2025.
• Season Finale: The competition will conclude with the crowning of the new winner on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Viewers can expect the show to maintain its Sunday night broadcasts, with potential Monday night episodes added during the crucial Hollywood Week and Live Shows phases to accommodate the intense competition schedule.

The New Judging Panel: A Winner Returns to Replace Katy Perry

The most significant news surrounding *American Idol* 2025 is the composition of the judging panel. After several seasons, pop superstar Katy Perry has departed the show, leaving a major vacancy. Stepping into that role is none other than Season 4 winner, country music superstar Carrie Underwood.

Underwood’s addition is historic, as she becomes the first former *American Idol* contestant to join the judging panel. This change brings a unique perspective to the table—one that has experienced the entire journey from nervous auditionee to global icon. Underwood will be judging alongside two returning veterans:

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• Luke Bryan: The multi-platinum country artist is back for his eighth season, known for his laid-back demeanor and deep knowledge of the music industry.
• Lionel Richie: The legendary singer-songwriter also returns, bringing his iconic wisdom and mentorship to the aspiring artists.

Underwood has promised that her judging style will be honest and focused on guidance, drawing from her own experience to help the contestants navigate the demanding competition. Her presence is expected to inject a new level of topical authority and credibility into the critiques, especially for those hoping to follow in her footsteps from the *Idol* stage to superstardom.

Ryan Seacrest Returns and What to Expect from the Audition Process

No season of *American Idol* would be complete without its host, and the voice of the show, Ryan Seacrest, is confirmed to return for Season 23. Seacrest, who has been with the show since its inception, remains the constant presence guiding the hopefuls and the audience through the emotional highs and lows of the competition.

The Road to Hollywood Week:

The initial episodes will, as always, showcase the audition phase, which was conducted through the "Idol Across America" virtual audition process. This format allows thousands of singers from across the country to try out from the comfort of their homes, ensuring a diverse and wide-ranging pool of talent.

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• Platinum Ticket: The coveted Platinum Ticket, which grants a few select contestants the ability to bypass the first round of Hollywood Week, is expected to return. The search for the next Platinum Ticket winner is a major storyline in the early weeks.
• Hollywood Week Arena: The Hollywood Week segment, scheduled for late March, will see the golden ticket winners battle it out in challenges and group performances.

While the core format remains familiar, there are whispers of potential adjustments to the show's structure, including the possibility of fewer live shows or tweaks to the voting structure to ensure a fairer outcome for the emerging talents. With a powerhouse country music figure like Carrie Underwood on the panel, the show may also see a stronger focus on developing artists across the country, pop, and R&B genres. The blend of new blood and veteran presence promises a compelling Season 23 when the show officially premieres on March 9, 2025.