American Idol Just Dropped A Huge 2027 Surprise…! Season 25 Is Getting A Major Behind-The-Scenes Makeover That Could Completely Change The Look Of The Show, As The New Judges Remain A Mystery ! Forget Everything You Know About The Next Season…A major change is already happening behind the scenes at American Idol, and it could make Season 25 look noticeably different when the show returns in 2027. But with the judging panel still unconfirmed, the biggest question may be who will be sitting behind the desk when the new era begins.

American Idol is preparing to return in 2027, but the singing competition will look a little different when Season 25 arrives. While ABC has not yet confirmed the next judging panel, the show is already making a major change behind the scenes.

According to Deadline, American Idol will move production from Los Angeles to Georgia for its 25th season. Fremantle, which produces the series with 19 Entertainment and Sony Pictures, confirmed the move on Sept. 15.

The production company is reportedly working on a deal with a studio complex in the Atlanta area, although the agreement has not been finalized.

American Idol previously filmed at Red Studios in Hollywood. During Season 24, the show moved Hollywood Week to Nashville, but the live shows continued to take place in Los Angeles.

The reported move to Georgia appears to be connected to production costs. The state offers tax credits of up to 30% for qualifying unscripted and reality television programs that spend at least $500,000 there.

The Masked Singer recently made a similar move, relocating production from Los Angeles to New Jersey, where qualifying productions can receive tax incentives of up to 30% on eligible expenses.

California introduced tax credits for unscripted productions in 2025, but the program reportedly only applies to shows with budgets of at least $1 million per episode. American Idol does not meet that requirement, according to Deadline.

As more reality shows look for affordable places to film, Los Angeles has seen a major decline in unscripted production. FilmLA reported a 62.7% drop in reality television production over the past five years.

Meanwhile, Season 25 auditions are already underway online. In-person auditions are usually held around October or early November, giving hopeful contestants another chance to compete for the next American Idol title.

The judges’ panel is still another question. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have not been officially confirmed by ABC, although Deadline reports that the three stars are expected to return.

With a new filming location and another season of singers ready to compete, American Idol is heading into its 25th year with several changes still to come.

Who are the judges on American Idol season 25?

ABC has yet to confirm the judges for season 25. Bryan and Richie have been judges on the show for nine seasons, starting with ABC’s revival for season 16.

“We’re compassionate at times,” Bryan said of judging American Idol with Richie and Katy Perry while on Good Morning America in March 2018. “When we’re not compassionate, we get emotional. We get wrapped up in their stories. We have moments where we’re softies.”

“We’re our individual selves too,” Richie added. “When we see a contestant that we really believe in, we fight for them. We’re talking each other into other things. This is the part you don’t see. This conversation we’re having right now, this is how long it takes us to agree on contestants because we’re very passionate.”

Underwood joined the show in 2024. The “Before He Cheats” singer, who won season 4 of the competition show in 2005, replaced Perry as judge starting with season 23.

“I’m proud of everything that I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since,” the singer said on Good Morning America during the announcement that she would return as a judge.

Seacrest publicly celebrated Underwood’s American Idol homecoming following her announcement as judge. “It’s a full-circle moment to go from announcing you as the winner of [American Idol] 20 years ago to now welcoming you to the judge’s table,” he wrote on Instagram in August 2024. “Welcome home, @carrieunderwood !”

Bryan shared some words of wisdom for Underwood at the time. “The thing about it is Carrie has to kind of learn in real time,” Bryan told E! News in November 2024. “You kind of have to learn how to be a judge. It’s not like you can go to American Idol judging school.”

He continued to praise her for being “awesome with the kids” and having “the best soul and heart.” He added, “She’s doing a great job and really settling into the judging table.”

When will American Idol season 25 premiere?

While ABC has yet to announce a specific release date, the network confirmed American Idol season 25 will premiere in 2027.

Previously, season 24 premiered in January 2026, season 23 in March 2025 and season 22 in February 2024.

When American Idol returns, it will air on ABC and stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.