The 23rd season of “American Idol” is kicking off with plenty of familiar features and faces — like host Ryan Seacrest, who’s been with the show since it began in 2002. But the ABC series — which premieres on March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. Eastern time — has some brand new things in store too. Here’s everything you need to know!
‘American Idol’ Features New Judge & Mentors in 2025
With seven seasons at the judges’ table under her belt, Katy Perry announced in early 2024 that season 22 would be her last. While she kicks off a world tour to support her new album, season four winner Carrie Underwood, who’s become a country superstar since her 2005 victory, has slid into the seat in between Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
Underwood is the first “Idol” winner to become part of the cast, though famous alums have returned to the show as celebrity mentors including Tori Kelly, Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks, Adam Lambert, and Clay Aiken.
In other casting news, Jelly Roll has been named the show’s first artist-in-residence for season 23. The country star was so popular as a celebrity mentor during the Hawaii round in 2024 that producers asked him to mentor contestants throughout the new season. He’s already having so much fun in tapings that he’s said he hopes it becomes a permanent role.
Though Jelly Roll will be on hand in Hawaii, there will still be two celebrity mentors helping contestants prepare for their performances at Disney’s Aulani Resort. Josh Groban and Ashanti will divide up the remaining 24 contestants on those episodes, which were filmed in February.
Season 23 Auditions Held in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles
ABCThe locations of “Idol” in-person auditions have changed over the years. Once contestants make it through virtual auditions with producers, they’re invited to audition in front of the celebrity judges for a chance at their golden ticket to Hollywood.
In season 22, auditions were held in the judges’ hometowns — Leesburg, Georgia, for Bryan; Tuskegee, Alabama, for Richie; and Santa Barbara, California, for Perry — as well as in Los Angeles and Nashville.
For the new season, auditions were held in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles, per ABC. Auditions will air in two-hour episodes each Sunday evening for at least the first three weeks of “Idol,” but ABC hasn’t announced yet when the episodes will move to Hollywood Week.
Among the contestants to watch for who are already generating buzz? Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell’s 22-year-old son Baylee Littrell is expected to receive a golden ticket, and former “The Voice” finalist Thunderstorm Artis received his golden ticket on the March 2 preview show, as did New York powerhouse singer Amanda Barise and British-born pop performer Sonny Tennet.
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‘American Idol’ Season 23: Who, When, Where & What’s New!