What time does ‘American Idol’ start? Premiere date, judges, where to watch Season 23
Get ready to sing your heart out, America. “Idol” returns this Sunday.
Season 23 of the reality singing competition that helped launch Kelly Clarkson’s career features longtime host Ryan Seacrest and judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, who replaces “Teenage Dream” singer Katy Perry after seven seasons.
Some of the world’s most iconic singers, including Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert, got their start on “American Idol,” which first premiered in 2002.
“20 years ago I auditioned for the judges of @americanidol, and today I am now one of those judges searching for someone who wants to BE AN IDOL!” Underwood wrote in an August social media post. “It all starts with an audition…will we #CUonIDOL?”
The season kicks off with three episodes of auditions before the lucky group of singers get a coveted trip to Hollywood.
Here’s what to know about Season 23 of “American Idol,” including how to tune in.
Season 23 of “American Idol” premieres Sunday, March 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
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Long-time judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are joined by Carrie Underwood this season.
The “Before He Cheats” singer is taking over for Katy Perry, who revealed that she was leaving the show to focus on music. Underwood, an “American Idol” alum, returns to the show about 20 years after she won the competitive singing competition.
Ryan Seacrest, who has hosted 20 seasons of “American Idol,” will once again serve as emcee.
Grammy-nominated singer Jelly Roll will serve as a first-ever artist in residence. He will work closely with contestants, giving them firsthand advice on how to “navigate the journey,” as Variety first reported.
“American Idol” airs Sunday nights on ABC with episodes available to stream on Hulu the next day.
Viewers may also catch the show live on the ABC app or website along with live-streaming sites that allow viewers to watch in real-time.
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Contributing: Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY
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ABC’s 2025 season of “American “Idol” features host Ryan Seacrest, left, with judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. (Gizelle Hernandez/Disney)Gizelle Hernandez/Disney
An all new season of American Idol premieres on ABC Sunday, March 9 at 8/7c.
The long-running singing competition series returns Sunday with alum judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. After Katy Perry’s bow out after seven consecutive seasons as a judge, country music star Carrie Underwood will join the judges panel for season 23, 20 years after winning the competition herself.
A preview for season 23 happened right after the 2025 Academy Awards aired on March 7. The preview included a sneak peek of Underwood being welcomed by Bryan and Richie.
Those interested in catching this season’s hopeful singers perform before the star judges can stream the show through Fubo or DirecTV Stream—both of which have free trials for new subscribers to enjoy.
Fubo is a popular streaming service known for its extensive sports coverage, but it also offers users the ability to stream over 100 live TV channels through its base package for just $84.99 a month following its 7-day free trial.
Popular channels available for streaming through Fubo include ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, TLC, MTV and more. Subscribers can also enjoy on-demand streaming and useful features such as Fubo’s unlimited DVR feature perfect for recording favorite shows and movies.
DirecTV Stream is similar to Fubo as it has many of the same channels and features. At just $86.99 a month after its free trial, users can access over 90 channels such as ABC, AMC, BET, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, CNN and more through the base plan.
Those interested in exploring more of DirecTV Stream’s available plans can learn more here.
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When does ‘American Idol’ 2025 start? The Season 23 judges, when it airs and where to watch
“American Idol” is back for 2025 with Season 23.
There is a bit of a switch up this year as former judge Katy Perry will not be returning after seven seasons on the show.
Replacing her will be singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood, who won Season 4 of the show herself. This will be the first time in history that a winner of the series will serve as a judge.
Abi Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, won Season 22 of the show. This year, there are four Arizonans competing for the title.
Here’s when “American Idol” 2025 starts, who the judges are this season and where to watch the premiere.
The judges for Season 23 of “American Idol” are: Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
Season 23 of “American Idol” premieres Sunday, March 9.
“American Idol” Season 23 airs on Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT and 7 p.m. MT.
You can watch “American Idol” live on ABC15 in Arizona or on your local ABC network.
If you’re not able to watch live, “American Idol” Season 23 will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
A subscription to Hulu costs $9.99 a month (or $99.99/year) for the ad-supported plan. Students can get Hulu with ads for $1.99 a month, and Hulu with no ads costs $18.99 a month.
Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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