Luke Bryan Predicts Whether Carrie Underwood Will Return to ‘Idol’

Season 23 of “American Idol” wrapped in May, but fans are already wondering who will be sitting at the judges table for season 24. According to Luke Bryan, there’s a good chance Carrie Underwood will be back. “My prediction would be highly favorable,” Bryan told Taste of Country.

Underwood won season 4 of “Idol” back in 2005 and went on to become a country music superstar. When she returned to the show in 2025 to take a seat at the judges table, “she really enjoyed it,” according to Bryan. “I know she had a great time in the role,” he shared.

Will Bryan Return as a Judge?

To the delight of country music fans everywhere, Luke Bryan joined “American Idol” as a judge in its 16th season which premiered in 2018. But will he be back next season? He’s doesn’t sound quite sure.

“‘Idol’ is kind of a year-by-year,” he explained. “‘Do we do it or not?'” Bryan remained elusive about his future on the show, saying, “We’ll see what happens.”

While his remarks are sure to keep fans guessing, Bryan did express how much he enjoyed participating in season 23 alongside fellow judges Underwood and Lionel Richie. Fans loved the season as well in which soulful singer Jamal Roberts won the coveted title. Coming in second place was John Foster, a talented country music performer.  

“Last year was really really incredible with Carrie and Lionel [Richie] and Ryan [Seacrest],” Bryan shared, adding “and the main thing is just, have fun with ‘American Idol’ and have fun with the kids [contestants].”

Carrie Underwood’s Return to Another Show

While Underwood has not yet commented on whether she will return to “American Idol” to continue her judging duties, she will be back for a different TV gig.

It has been confirmed that Underwood will return as a featured performer on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” This will mark Underwood’s 13th year as the show opener on “SNF.” The opening was filmed at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, the same venue where Underwood held her Reflections residency for several years.

“We had a blast shooting the new opening at the Resorts World Theatre again,” Underwood shared in a statement. “… the creative team continue to raise the bar, bringing the high energy and stunning visuals that the ‘Sunday Night Football’ audience has come to expect year after year,” she said.

As for the next season of “Idol,” fans will just have to take Bryan’s advice and see what happens.