AMERICAN IDOL RETURNS IN 2026: WHO WILL BE THE NEXT JUDGE AFTER KATY PERRY? FANS DEMAND CARRIE UNDERWOOD STAYS, BUT WHO’S REALLY IN THE RUNNING? 🎤🤔 #IdolDrama

American Idol fans are eagerly awaiting the show’s return in 2026, but with the departure of Katy Perry from the judge’s seat, there’s a major shakeup on the horizon. While Carrie Underwood’s future remains uncertain, names like Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Trainor, and Kelly Clarkson are all being considered. What does this mean for the future of the show and Underwood’s legacy?

Want to know who will be the next judge on American Idol and what’s causing a stir behind the scenes? Click below for the latest updates and surprises that fans are talking about! 👇👇

Season 24 is Official: ABC Announces American Idol Will Return in 2026—But Fans Are Left Wondering About Carrie Underwood’s Future as a Judge

In a move that has left American Idol fans both excited and anxious, ABC has officially confirmed that American Idol will return for season 24 in 2026, continuing the long-running tradition of showcasing rising stars and transforming their dreams into reality. While this announcement has been met with overwhelming support, the future of one key figure on the show remains uncertain—Carrie Underwood, the beloved country superstar and former American Idol winner, whose seat as a judge has been a cornerstone of the show in recent years.

With rumors swirling and fans rallying behind the hashtag #BringCarrieBack, it’s unclear whether Underwood will continue as a judge in the next season. Her tenure on the show has been one of the most iconic in American Idol’s history, and many viewers can’t imagine the competition without her sharp eye for talent, genuine critiques, and unshakable presence. However, with ABC looking to shake things up, there is speculation that the network may want to add new voices to the judge’s panel.

Amid the uncertainty about Underwood’s future, the network is reportedly in talks with several top names to fill the void, with Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Trainor, and Kelly Clarkson all rumored to be on the shortlist for a potential new judge’s seat. These names have stirred excitement across social media, and fans are eagerly anticipating any announcements about the lineup for the next season. Will we see a familiar face, or will ABC make a bold move with fresh perspectives?

A New Era for American Idol in 2026

Since its debut in 2002, American Idol has gone through many changes, from judges to contestants, and even to the very format of the show. Yet, through all of its transformations, one thing has remained constant: the search for the next big music sensation. Season 24 marks a significant moment in the show’s legacy, with the announcement that it will continue into 2026. This news comes on the heels of a successful season 23, which saw a surge in viewership and a return to the show’s roots, with a focus on discovering raw talent.

But while fans are thrilled that the show will continue, there’s a sense of uncertainty surrounding the future of the judging panel. Underwood, who has been a judge since 2018, has become synonymous with the American Idol experience. Her career as a winner of the show, combined with her immense success in the country music world, has made her a relatable and respected figure for both contestants and viewers alike.

However, insiders have revealed that ABC is looking to refresh the judge’s panel for season 24, with the possibility of Underwood moving on to new projects. While the network has not made an official statement about her departure, the uncertainty has left fans in a state of limbo, unsure of whether their favorite judge will return for another season.

Fans Rally Behind Carrie Underwood: #BringCarrieBack

In response to the growing speculation about Underwood’s future on the show, fans have taken to social media to voice their support for the country music icon. The hashtag #BringCarrieBack has been trending across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, as fans of all ages express their desire to see her continue as a judge on American Idol. Many fans have posted heartfelt messages about how much they admire Underwood’s genuine and kind demeanor, as well as her constructive feedback, which they feel has helped shape the contestants into successful artists.

“I’ve been watching American Idol since season one, and Carrie Underwood has always been my favorite judge,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “Her expertise, kindness, and authentic feedback are what make the show great. I don’t want to imagine American Idol without her. #BringCarrieBack.”

Another fan echoed this sentiment, saying, “Carrie is the heart and soul of the judge’s panel. She brings warmth and professionalism, and her love for country music is something that can’t be replaced. If she leaves, it won’t be the same.”

The support for Underwood has been overwhelming, with many fans organizing online petitions and social media campaigns urging ABC to renew her contract for season 24. Some have even suggested that Underwood’s involvement in the show has revitalized her career, allowing her to connect with a younger generation of fans who may not have been exposed to her music otherwise.

While it’s still unclear whether Underwood will return, it’s evident that the fans have made their voices heard, and their passion for the show is something that ABC cannot easily overlook.

A New Face at the Judge’s Table: Who Will Replace Carrie Underwood?

With the uncertainty surrounding Carrie Underwood’s future, ABC is reportedly considering several potential candidates to fill the judge’s seat, should Underwood decide to step down. Among the names being floated are some of the biggest stars in the music industry, including Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Trainor, and Kelly Clarkson.

Jennifer Lopez: The Superstar Judge?

Jennifer Lopez, a former American Idol judge, is reportedly one of the top candidates to return to the panel for season 24. Lopez served as a judge on the show for several seasons and became one of the most beloved figures in American Idol history. Known for her experience in both the music and entertainment industries, Lopez brought a level of star power and expertise to the show that helped elevate it to new heights.

Lopez’s potential return has fans buzzing with excitement, especially given her current global status as a pop culture icon. Her experience as a singer, dancer, actress, and entrepreneur would bring a fresh perspective to the judging panel, and her no-nonsense attitude and candid feedback would undoubtedly provide the contestants with valuable insights.

Meghan Trainor: A Rising Star in the Music World

Another name that has been suggested as a possible replacement for Underwood is Meghan Trainor, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her chart-topping hits like “All About That Bass” and “Lips Are Movin’.” Trainor, who has served as a coach on The Voice and has experience in both pop and country music, could bring a unique blend of industry knowledge and musical versatility to the panel.

Trainor’s vibrant personality and upbeat energy would likely appeal to American Idol fans, and her ability to connect with contestants from different musical backgrounds could add a new dynamic to the show. Fans of Trainor have already started advocating for her to join the panel, with many believing that her modern approach to music and entertainment would be a perfect fit for American Idol’s future.

Kelly Clarkson: The American Idol Alumna Who Won Hearts

Finally, Kelly Clarkson, who made history as the first-ever American Idol winner, is another name being tossed around as a possible replacement for Underwood. Clarkson’s success as a coach on The Voice and her status as a global music icon make her an ideal candidate to return to the American Idol judge’s table.

Clarkson’s undeniable chemistry with contestants and her ability to offer both tough love and sincere encouragement have made her a fan favorite. If Clarkson were to join the panel for season 24, it would bring full-circle significance to the show, as she would return to the program that launched her career.

Last Season’s Scandal: Abi Carter’s Plagiarism Controversy

While the focus of American Idol’s upcoming season is primarily on the judge’s panel and potential changes, last season’s winner, Abi Carter, has found herself at the center of a controversy that threatens to overshadow her victory. Carter, who took home the crown in 2024, has been accused of plagiarizing her song “Light Within,” which was a key part of her victory.

The accusations first surfaced shortly after Carter’s win, when an anonymous source claimed that the song was strikingly similar to a track that had been released by an independent artist several years earlier. Fans quickly took to social media, demanding an investigation into the matter. While Carter has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the song was entirely original, the controversy has sparked debate about the authenticity of her win.

At this point, no concrete evidence has been presented to prove that “Light Within” was plagiarized, and the matter remains unresolved. However, the scandal has caused a divide among fans, with some questioning Carter’s integrity while others rally behind her, believing the accusations to be baseless.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for American Idol?

As American Idol season 24 approaches, the future of the show remains uncertain in many ways. While ABC has confirmed the return of the competition in 2026, the key questions surrounding the judge’s panel and the lingering scandal from the previous season create a sense of intrigue and suspense. Will Carrie Underwood return for another season, or will ABC choose to make changes to the panel? Can American Idol continue to recover from the plagiarism scandal that has cast a shadow over Abi Carter’s victory? Only time will tell.

What’s clear is that American Idol is entering a new chapter, one that promises fresh talent, new faces, and plenty of drama. Whether it’s with a revamped judge’s panel or the return of some familiar voices, fans are eager to see what the future holds for the iconic competition that has given rise to so many music stars.