Will Ryan Seacrest, Jelly Roll Return to ‘American Idol’ Next Season?

| September 2, 2025

Disney/Eric McCandless

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Earlier this week, it was announced that all three American Idol judges would be back for Season 24 of the show, airing next year. Notably, longtime host Ryan Seacrest and Artist in Residence Jelly Roll were not included in the announcement. Will they be back next season.

Will Ryan Seacrest, Jelly Roll Be Back on American Idol?

Season 24 of American Idol will feature returning judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. Auditions are happening right now as hopeful singers try out for their chance to appear on the show next season.

Notably, American Idol‘s announcement about the returning judges did not mention host Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the show since its first season. Sources told Deadline that Seacrest apparently has not yet closed a deal for the new season, but he’s expected to return.

If he does decide to sit this season out, Entertainment Now suggests that it might have something to do with spending more time with his parents. Last month, Seacrest got emotional on his radio show as he spoke about his father’s cancer battle, and how he learned that his dad was sick with pneumonia while filming an episode of the show.

As for Artist in Residence Jelly Roll, the singer has said he hopes for the role to become “permanent.” However, his future on the show is still uncertain at this time, as there has been no official announcement that he’s returning for Season 24.

Auditions for Season 24 Are Happening Now

Idol Across America auditions are happening right now for hopeful singers who want to be featured on Season 24 of the show. You can sign up now on the American Idol website to have a face-to-face audition with a producer over Zoom.

You can also submit an audition video at any time on the website. Make sure you check the show’s eligibility requirements before submitting. Notably, you should be at least 15 years old by February 15, 2026.

A premiere date has yet to be announced for Season 24, but the show typically starts in February or early March, with a finale in May. Earlier this year, singer Jamal Roberts was named the Season 23 winner, with John Foster coming in second place.