Hey music lovers get ready! American Idol is coming back for its 23rd season overall and its eighth on ABC and this time things are getting even more exciting. We have got a sneak peek at what to expect including a brand new judge a special preview after the Oscars and all the details you need to tune in. Let's get into it!
Carrie Underwood Returns to American Idol But This Time as a Judge: Full Circle Moment Alert!
Big news Idol fans! Carrie Underwood is joining the judging panel! Yes you read that right the season four winner herself is coming back to guide the next generation of hopefuls. This is seriously a full circle moment for the show and for Carrie. She is replacing Katy Perry and will be sitting alongside veteran judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest is back as the host as always keeping things rolling.
This is Carrie's first time as a judge on American Idol and it's a pretty big deal. Think about it she won the whole thing back in 2005 and has become a massive global superstar with eight Grammy Awards under her belt. Who better to offer advice and guidance to aspiring singers than someone who has actually walked in their shoes and conquered the Idol stage? It is going to be awesome to see her perspective and expertise added to the judges' table.
Showrunner Megan Wolflick mentioned that Carrie embodies the true spirit of Idol and called her story a real-life Cinderella story. Contestants this season will get advice from someone who understands exactly what they are going through every step of the way. Get ready for some heartfelt moments and valuable insights from Carrie.
Don't Miss the Special American Idol Season 23 Preview Right After the Oscars: Set Your Reminders Now!
Want to get a taste of the new season before it officially premieres? You are in luck! ABC is airing a special preview of American Idol right after The Oscars telecast on Sunday March 2nd. Yes that is Oscars night! So after all the awards and acceptance speeches stick around on ABC for a half-hour sneak peek at what season 23 has in store.
This preview is your chance to see Carrie Underwood in action as a judge for the first time alongside Luke and Lionel. You will also get a glimpse of some of the contestants auditioning and trying to impress the judges. ABC is promoting this preview as a major event so expect some exciting moments and maybe even a few surprises. It's the perfect way to get hyped for the full season premiere.
American Idol Season 23 Premiere Date and Time Revealed: Mark Your Calendars for March 9th!
Okay here is the date you have been waiting for: American Idol season 23 officially premieres on Sunday March 9th! Set your reminders for 8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT/PDT on ABC. It's going to be a two-hour premiere episode so get ready for a double dose of auditions talent and judge commentary right from the start. If you happen to miss the live broadcast no worries you can catch it the next day on Hulu.
This season marks a big milestone for American Idol as the 23rd season overall and the eighth season since it moved to ABC. The show has consistently been a top unscripted series for ABC and it is a social media giant too. In the last season American Idol was the number one most social entertainment series on broadcast or cable with over 66 million social interactions. People are definitely watching and talking about Idol.
Meet Freddie McClendon: Greenwood Singer-Songwriter Hoping to Be the Next American Idol
Speaking of contestants let's spotlight one hopeful you might be seeing this season: Freddie McClendon. Freddie is a singer-songwriter from Greenwood and a graduate of Greenwood High School and Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee. He is officially part of the American Idol season 23 contestant pool and you might see his audition.
If you are in the Greenwood area you can actually catch Freddie performing live on the very same day the season premieres! He is scheduled to play at Montague's Restaurant in Greenwood from 2-5 p.m. on March 9th. How cool is that?
Freddie has already been featured in some of the season promos sharing a bit of his personal story . He wrote an album called "Present Memories" in memory of his father Kenneth Davis McClendon who passed away in 2023. His first single "Yellow Dress" came out in 2024. Keep an eye out for Freddie during the auditions and maybe he will become your favorite contestant this season.
Slater Nalley's Emotional Audition: Get Ready for Tearjerker Moments in American Idol Season 23
Want a sneak peek at an audition that is guaranteed to give you feels? Check out Slater Nalley's audition. This 17-year-old is definitely one to watch. In a preview clip Slater gets a special introduction from his high school English teacher Mrs. Davis.
Mrs. Davis explains that Slater took a poem she wrote about her late son and turned it into a song called "Traces of You". Slater himself says the song is "the most deep thing" he has ever written. And get ready to grab your tissues because his performance is emotional.
Playing guitar Slater sings the song with traditional country vocals and it is powerful. Carrie Underwood was visibly moved to tears during his audition and Luke and Lionel were also emotional. Carrie said "Every single person that hears that can fill in that memory of someone that’s within themselves. I couldn’t have imagined you doing that any better." No surprise the judges told Slater in unison "You’re going to Hollywood". Prepare for some truly moving stories and performances this season.
How to Watch American Idol 2025 Season 23: Premiere Preview and Full Season Details
Ready to tune in? Here is your guide on how to watch American Idol season 23:
- Oscars Preview Special: Sunday March 2 2025 following the live Oscars telecast on ABC.
- Season 23 Premiere: Sunday March 9 2025 8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT/PDT on ABC.
- Streaming: Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
- Live Streaming Options: You can also watch ABC live through streaming services that offer free trials like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. Check their websites for details on free trials and subscription plans.
American Idol is Back and Ready to Find the Next Superstar: Get Ready for Season 23!
So there you have it! American Idol season 23 is shaping up to be a season you won't want to miss. Carrie Underwood is on board as a judge there is a special preview after the Oscars and a whole new batch of talented hopefuls ready to compete. Mark your calendars set your reminders and get ready for another season of dreams drama and incredible music. American Idol is back and the search for the next superstar is officially on!