'American Idol' judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie to return for new season
"American Idol" judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood are returning for the hit music competition series' 24th season, its ninth season on ABC and Hulu.
The trio shared the announcement in a YouTube video Monday.
"Class is back in session," Bryan says in the short clip.
"And this year, we're majoring in music as we help launch your dreams," Underwood continues.
The three judges liken themselves to professors amid back-to-school season.
"Hello! I'm your professor of positivity," says Richie, a four-time Grammy winner and veteran singer-songwriter and producer.
Bryan, a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, chimes in, calling himself "Professor of fun here."
"Serious ... but fun!" he adds.
"Sign up for my class," Underwood, an eight-time Grammy winner, says. "You'll be blown away."
"The three judges are back for another amazing season of Idol University," Richie adds. "The only thing that's missing is you."
Last season, Jamal Roberts, a PE teacher and father of three from Mississippi, was crowned the winner of "American Idol," after singing a rendition of Tom Odell's 2013 song "Heal."
Auditions for the upcoming season begin Aug. 26 as "Idol Across America," a live virtual search, kicks off in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. There will also be open call date auditions that will be open worldwide to all eligible, potential contestants. Specific open call dates are also available for the East Coast on Sept. 12, the South on Sept. 15, and the Midwest and West Coast on Sept. 18.
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