The Empire State Building was aglow in blue hues last night, marking a ceremonial kickoff ahead of the "American Idol" season 23 premiere. According to Evrim Ağacı, the iconic New York City skyscraper shone for one hour to stoke the excitement for the long-running vocal competition show, which returns on March 9.
The American Idol special preview will air at 10:30 p.m. ET, following the 2025 Oscars. Fans will get their first look at the latest lineup of hopeful vocalists aiming to impress a star-studded panel of judges. For the very first time, ABC7 New York reports that Carrie Underwood, the ex-contestant turned country megastar, is joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie at the judges' table.
The rosters of participants on "American Idol" always tend to capture the audience's heartstrings, and this season seems all set to continue the tradition. Details shared with Evrim Ağacı about the heartfelt audition of 17-year-old Slater Nalley, who performed an emotionally charged original song, and Amanda Barise's powerful take on a James Brown classic hint at what's to come in the forthcoming episodes.
The judges appear to be as much a draw as the contestants themselves, with the added twist of Underwood's homecoming. "Carrie Underwood is the first American Idol alum ever to join the judging panel," Megan Wolflick, the show's executive producer, told Evrim Ağacı. “Her global superstar status as the most successful Idol winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show. Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way.”
Joining the celebrations, Ryan Seacrest, who has been synonymous with the show since its inception, will continue to host, as reported by ABC7 New York. Viewers can tune in for the premiere on ABC or catch it the following day streaming on Hulu.
