It's been more than a week since American Idol 2025 wrapped and crowned the latest winner to cross the stage on the singing series, and that would be Jamal Roberts! He was definitely a standout from the beginning, and we're so happy that he took home the win. Another interesting part of this season of the competition series was the fact that a new judge came along.
Carrie Underwood served on the panel alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who have been judges from the very start since ABC revived the show in 2018. The two held that position alongside Katy Perry until she decided to step back last season. And that's when Underwood, a former American Idol winner herself, stepped in.
Carrie Underwood may not come back for American Idol 2026
With her first season over and the series already renewed for another season, is Underwood ready to come back for more next year? When Entertainment Tonight asked the very question, Underwood seemed to not give a definitive answer. Instead, the country artist was vague and might be hinting that she might not come back for more saying, "I don't know. There's lots to contemplate." Hmm.
I mean, look. The answer is fair. This was her first season and she's right. There's different elements to think about and we don't know what she might have in mind as an artist herself, as well as in her personal life. Though the newest Idol judge's answer did stand out to us because her response wasn't as enthusiastic as her fellow judges' answers. Richie told EW, "Are you kidding me? I wouldn't miss this for the world" while Bryan responded with "we'll get through [the finale], and then hopefully the phone will start ringing."
It's clear the two are eager to come back and have expressed that interest, while Underwood's answer wasn't as direct. Again, she has the right to want to come back or not. I think this season was also perhaps more difficult for her than she thought it would be because she's been on the other end of things. The singer auditioned back in 2005 for American Idol season 4, and won which launched her career.
She's previously expressed that it's hard for her to say no to contestants, and that could contribute to the reason she doesn't want to come back. She's gone through the experience before and knows how hard it is. It takes a lot on your heart, and she may not have it in her. Which is perfectly acceptable and would make sense.
Overall I think she did a great job as a judge. Look, Perry's was clearly amusing and up for more of those wild ideas. She was naturally funny like that. So I'm sure many viewers compared the two. Though they did a good job in their own ways, and everyone has a different personality.
We'll see if Underwood decides to come back next year. A release date hasn't been set for American Idol 2026 yet, though we do expect the new season to premiere sometime in February or March next year like its predecessors.
Stream the full season of American Idol 2025 on Hulu.