Luke Bryan Believes Carrie Underwood Will Return to American Idol

As American Idol gears up for its 2026 return on ABC, Luke Bryan is optimistic that Carrie Underwood will be back at the judges’ table. However, his own future with the show remains up in the air.

Underwood, who won American Idol back in 2005, joined the panel as a judge for the first time in Spring 2025. According to Bryan, she fit right in. “I know she had a great time in the role,” he said during an exclusive interview with Taste of Country Nights. “My prediction would be highly favorable,” he added when asked if she’d return for Season 24.

Bryan’s own participation isn’t as clear. “Idol is kind of a year-by-year, ‘Do we do it or not?’” he explained. While he says he enjoys being part of the show, the decision isn’t always a simple one.

“Last year was really really incredible with Carrie and Lionel and Ryan,” Bryan noted. “The main thing is just, have fun with American Idol and have fun with the kids [contestants].”

As for what happens next? “We’ll see what happens,” he said with a grin.

Season 24’s premiere date has not yet been announced, and it’s likely the final lineup of judges will be revealed once contracts are signed.

According to reports, Luke Bryan earns around $12 million per season on American Idol. Carrie Underwood’s first-year salary is said to be between $10 million and $12.5 million.

Whether Bryan returns or not, fans are eager to see if Underwood’s Idol journey continues — this time on the other side of the stage.