Season 24 of “American Idol” is set to premiere in early 2026, but there’s one burning question fans still want answered: Who will be at the judges’ table? One big point of curiosity is long-time judge Luke Bryan, who has been mostly mum about his future with the series since Season 23 ended. However, in a recent interview with Extra, he shared a funny hint about his “Idol” fate.
“Cody knows if I’m coming back or not, but he’s not allowed to say,” Bryan joked, referring to fellow singer Cody Johnson. The interview took place at the 18th ACM Honors, where Bryan helped present Johnson with this year’s ACM Spirit Award. Bryan’s lighthearted attitude may mean good news for fans of the beloved show, but it appears we’ll still have to wait on a definitive answer for now.
Bryan Has Been at the Judges’ Table For Seven Seasons
GettyDiehard “Idol” fans are quite accustomed to seeing the “Country Song Came On” singer at the judges’ table, where he has proudly sat for seven seasons. Although he didn’t become part of the series until 2018, the music competition was on his radar much earlier. “I remember being inspired by it as a young musician, he told Rolling Stone in 2018.
In what would become a heartwarming coincidence, part of what inspired him was watching now-fellow judge Carrie Underwood’s journey. “The main thing with me is I remember when [season four winner] Carrie Underwood rolled into Nashville,” he said. “It energized the whole city.” He also reflected on the success contestants Kellie Pickler and Scotty McCreery had already found by that time. Since that early interview, Bryan has given support and guidance to countless contestants and become a staple of the series.
The Country Star Has Plenty to Celebrate in the Meantime
The “American Idol” off season has been full of reasons for Bryan to celebrate. In mid-August, his latest single, “Country Song Came On,” helped him achieve a new career milestone. “Thank y’all for making ‘Country Song Came On’ my 32nd # 1 at country radio,” Bryan wrote in a Facebook post.
Fittingly, the singer achieved this milestone while touring. His tour of the same name has taken him all around the U.S. and continues until September 12, 2025. From there, Bryan embarks on his annual Farm Tour, making three mid-September stops at Midwestern farms.
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