American Idol is officially coming back for another season.

ABC announced on July 29 that the hit singing competition has been renewed for its milestone 25th season, ensuring the search for the country’s next music star will continue in 2027.

While the renewal is now confirmed, the network has not yet revealed whether judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will return to the panel. ABC also has not announced whether longtime host Ryan Seacrest will be back for another season.

The road to season 25 begins on August 25 with the return of Idol Across America, the show’s nationwide virtual audition event. The program gives aspiring singers from all 50 states the chance to audition remotely in front of American Idol producers without traveling.

After the virtual kickoff, additional open-call auditions will be held through September 28, giving hopeful contestants more opportunities to earn a place in the competition.

The renewal follows the conclusion of season 24, which wrapped up in May with Hannah Harper taking home the title. The Missouri native defeated fellow finalists Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson to become the newest American Idol champion.

Ahead of the season finale, Underwood reflected on what the series has meant to her career after first winning the competition in 2005.

“American Idol is the ultimate real-life Cinderella story,” the country superstar said during an interview with Good Morning America published on May 8. “I learned so much on the show that set me up for everything that would follow.”

Seacrest, who has hosted the competition since its debut in 2002, also praised the show’s lasting appeal.

“There’s history, heritage in the show, and it’s pivoted with the times,” he said. “I think that’s the beauty of the history and the legend that is American Idol.”

Since joining the judging panel for season 23, Underwood has embraced the opportunity to mentor contestants who are chasing the same dream she once had.

Speaking on SiriusXM’s The Highway last year, the singer addressed criticism from viewers who felt some of her comments were too tough.

“Sometimes I get in trouble from people like, ‘How dare she say that it wasn’t perfect?’” Underwood said. “And I’m like, I just want everybody to learn, and that’s part of it. Nobody wants to just hear that they’re amazing all the time.”

She emphasized that every piece of feedback is meant to help contestants improve.

“We just want everybody to be able to grow and get better,” Underwood said. “And be the most awesome version of themselves that they could be.”

For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to learn whether the current judging panel and Seacrest will reunite when American Idol returns for its landmark 25th season next year.