Megan Michaels Wolflick, the executive producer and showrunner of American Idol, has expressed hopeful sentiments regarding the future of the judging panel, particularly concerning Carrie Underwood’s participation in the upcoming season 24. During a recent interview with TVLine on May 17, 2025, Wolflick stated,
“It’s early days still, but I love our panel. I think we’re in a good place.”
Underwood stepped into her role as a full-time judge for season 23, filling the position left vacant by Katy Perry’s exit after seven seasons on the show. While her presence has undoubtedly injected enthusiasm into the judging team, listeners have shared mixed reviews about her performance, prompting speculation about her return next season.
Future Prospects for American Idol’s Judging Panel
In her conversation with TVLine, Wolflick elaborated on the dynamics of the current judging trio, which includes Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Although she refrained from providing definitive confirmations about each judge’s return for season 24, she expressed satisfaction with the existing group. She mentioned,
“I’m excited for them to crown their first winner together as a threesome. They’re all passionate about the show.”
As a notable alum and the champion of season 4, Carrie Underwood brings a unique historical context to her new role. Despite her background as a successful contestant, Underwood has faced criticism regarding her feedback style, which some perceive as lacking depth and severity during live performances. In response, Wolflick remarked,
“I think she brought so much. She really had to carve out her own role. She was stepping into the shoes of a former judge, but she needed to be her own person, and she definitely did that. I think she’s brought a lot to the show, and I hope people love it. She’s a bit of a discovery, too. I mean, who knew she was such a metal head?”
Reports indicate that Underwood has previously mentioned her apprehension about being overly critical, taking her own contestant experiences into account. Wolflick’s insights suggest that while options are still being explored for the panel, there is a preference for consistency among the judges for the next season. She commented,
“Obviously, American Idol is coming back as a show, and we already have thousands of submissions coming in for next season. So the momentum is coming, but we’ll have to stay tuned. We never share our hand before the end of the season, but it should be coming soon, and we’re excited about the show doing so well.”
Wolflick also highlighted the continuing success of the show, noting a remarkable increase in viewership for live episodes. In today’s television landscape, where many shows are facing declining ratings, such growth is indeed a noteworthy achievement.
When discussing how finalists are chosen, she likened the selection process to crafting an intricate recipe, balancing nostalgia with new talent. The unpredictability of the Top 14 adds complexity to pairing contestants for duets, showcasing the challenges involved in planning each season.
Viewers can continue to enjoy American Idol by streaming episodes on Hulu.