Photo Credit: Disney/Christopher Willard
LUKE BRYAN, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, LIONEL RICHIE
August 25, 2025 – Following their celebrated debut as a judge trio last season in television’s most widely recognized music competition series “American Idol,” music superstars Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will help discover America’s next singing sensation in its ninth season on ABC and Hulu, 24th overall, when it returns in 2026. “American Idol” has ranked as a top unscripted series during its eight seasons on ABC, ending on a high note with last season’s finale ranking No. 1 on the night, No. 1 for the week in primetime, and earning the best Total Viewer audience in two years. The series continues to dominate on social media as the No. 1 Most Social Reality Series across TV so far in 2025, collecting 1.65-plus billion social video views this year. Season eight winner Jamal Roberts’ first single “Heal” also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel chart in May 2025.
Season nine auditions kick off Tuesday, Aug. 26, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an “American Idol” producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.
“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):
For information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of an “American Idol” producer, please visit americanidol.com/auditions. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. For full eligibility requirements, details on specific dates, submission forms, and terms and conditions, please visit the website.
“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.
Highlights from New Show Open to Premiere During Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, This Thurs., July 31 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
New Sunday Night Football Show Open Debuts on Sun., Sept. 7 Ahead of Ravens-Bills Playoff Rematch in SNF Opener on NBC and Peacock
STAMFORD, Conn. – July 30, 2025 – Multi-platinum, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood will star in the show open for NBC’s Sunday Night Football for the 13th consecutive season beginning September 7 on NBC and Peacock.
Underwood performed the new show open for primetime’s No. 1 show at The Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, home of her historic three-plus year residency, REFLECTION, which played to packed houses through April 2025, and is the longest-running Las Vegas residency of any solo female country artist.
“For the 20th season of SNF, we wanted to set the tone for the night by reimagining the anthem sound in a way that plays to Carrie’s powerhouse vocals, while visually creating a seamless blend of stylized shots and behind-the-scenes moments evoking the national roadshow that is Sunday Night Football, week after week in the fall,” said Tripp Dixon, creative director of the SNF show open for each of the past 13 years.
“We had a blast shooting the new opening at The Resorts World Theatre again,” said Underwood. “As always, Tripp and the creative team continue to raise the bar, bringing the high energy and stunning visuals that the Sunday Night Football audience has come to expect year after year. I can’t wait for the world to see it!”
The show open for Sunday Night Football, primetime television’s No. 1 program for an unprecedented 14 consecutive years, will debut on Sunday, Sept. 7 leading into the season debut of SNF featuring the past two NFL MVPs as Lamar Jackson (’23 MVP) and the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens visit Josh Allen (’24 MVP) and the AFC East champion Buffalo Bills in a rematch of last season’s AFC Divisional Playoff.
Special event from The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party to air onSiriusXM’s CARRIE’S COUNTRY today
Photo Credit: Jeff Johnson
On Tuesday, June 3, Carrie Underwood celebrated 20 years of her 9x-Platinum debut album and the best-selling debut country album of all time, Some Hearts, and the 2-year anniversary of her year-round SiriusXM channel CARRIE’S COUNTRY, with a special live full-band performance debuting a one-of-a-kind rhinestone microphone stand as part of the Opry’s 100th anniversary, and interview with SiriusXM host Cody Alan, live from her Official Fan Club Party at the Grand Ole Opry House.
The “20 Years In 20 Questions” Q&A featured Carrie sharing many memories from over the years, as well as speaking about how she and her son love listening to Linkin Park. Additionally, Carrie talked about being a judge on American Idol, how being a past contestant affected her mentoring of this year’s contestants, and the advice she gave them.
The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party will premiere on SiriusXM’s CARRIE’S COUNTRY on Friday, June 6 at 2:00 pm ET and will be available on the SiriusXM app.
Photo Credit: Jeff Johnson
Fan club members flocked to Nashville from around the world, as far as Australia, Switzerland, the UK, and Canada, and from over 40 U.S. states. They enjoyed exclusive merch, food trucks, a raffle, and a variety of photo opportunities including sitting on the Cadillac throne used in the performance of “Two Black Cadillacs” from Underwood’s recently wrapped Las Vegas residency REFLECTION, and getting an up close view to the pink champagne glass used in her spectacular headline performance at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest this past New Year’s Eve.
The Some Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition vinyl will be out November 14 and is available for pre-order now which includes a new alternate cover and packaging, an exclusive photo book, and 4 tracks from a live session at Blackbird Studios in Nashville
Some Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition is Available for Pre-Order Now
May 19, 2025 – In celebration of the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album, 8-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood is releasing a new special edition vinyl, Some Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition, via Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music. This special edition is available for pre-order now exclusively through Target (link HERE), and will be released on Friday, November 14, just ahead of the album’s anniversary date (November 15, 2005).
Originally released in 2005, the 9x certified platinum album Some Hearts, catapulted Carrie Underwood to stardom following her historic win on Season 4 of “American Idol.” The album quickly became the best-selling debut country album of all time, featuring timeless #1 hits such as “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Before He Cheats,” and “Wasted,” and garnering numerous awards and honors throughout the years.
To commemorate this milestone, the double 20th Anniversary Edition vinyl will have a new alternate cover image and packaging, and an exclusive photo booklet. The release will also include four tracks from Carrie’s live session at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN, recorded on October 26, 2005, and available on vinyl for the first time ever.
This year, Underwood commemorated the 20th anniversary of winning “American Idol” by becoming the popular singing competition’s first alum to join the judging panel. The hit ABC series had its season finale on May 18 and streams on Hulu.
Track List:
Side A
Wasted
Don’t Forget to Remember Me
Some Hearts
Jesus, Take The Wheel
The Night Before (Life Goes On)
Side B
Lessons Learned
Before He Cheats
Starts With Goodbye
I Just Can’t Live a Lie
We’re Young and Beautiful
Side C
That’s Where It Is
Whenever You Remember
I Ain’t In Checotah Anymore
Inside Your Heaven
Side D
Wasted (Live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005)
Some Hearts (Live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005)
Jesus, Take The Wheel (Live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005)
Inside Your Heaven (Live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005)
REFLECTION Becomes the Longest-Running Las Vegas Residency
of Any Solo Female Country Artist
LAS VEGAS, NV (APRIL 14, 2025) – Saturday night, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner, multi-platinum artist, and country music superstar, Carrie Underwood,concluded her over three-year run of REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas. Performing 72 shows of the acclaimed production, Underwood is not only the first, and longest-running, resident headliner at Resorts World Theatre, but also has the longest-running Las Vegas residency of any solo female country music artist – marking a historic milestone on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Underwood and the show have garnered rave reviews from critics and fans alike, with multiple sold-out runs, performing to over 300,000 fans.
During her final bow, fans took to their feet with resounding applause and cheers in the sold-out showroom as Carrie shared her gratitude in a heartfelt farewell performance.
“REFLECTION has truly been one of the standout moments of my performing career thus far,” said Underwood. “It is a production I am so very proud of and have had so much fun performing over the course of this residency these past 3+ years. I’ve loved being in Las Vegas where we’ve welcomed fans from all over the world who have come to see us. It’s been so special to reflect on the first 20 years of this career I am so grateful for, and have loved being on stage with my band and all the performers every night. Thank you AEG Presents, Resorts World, and Las Vegas for making my first residency such an amazing experience!”
Throughout her touring career, Underwood has arranged to donate a portion of ticket sales to a worthy cause or organization. $1 from each ticket sold for REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency is being donated to Make-A-Wish America, which grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A highlight of Underwood’s closing night performance included Carrie’s reunion with former Make-A-Wish child Noel Miller, who Underwood met through the charity organization in 2008 at age 12. Noel, now 28 years old, joined Carrie onstage to sing her #1 hit, “All-American Girl,” a popular moment in the show that she had revived for REFLECTION after first introducing it to audiences in her Carnival Ride Tour in 2008. Underwood has been involved with the organization as a WishMaker for nearly 20 years, granting wishes since the beginning of her recording career. Earlier that evening, Underwood presented Make-A-Wish with a check for $236,844 on behalf of all the fans who have attended REFLECTION over the past few years. The donation comes at a fitting time for the organization as April is World Wish Month and 2025 is the 45th anniversary of Make-A-Wish.
Noel Miller, Carrie Underwood, and Melissa Arias, Chief Chapter Advancement Officer, Make-A-Wish America
On Friday, April 11, 2025, executives from AEG Presents Las Vegas and Resorts World Las Vegas presented a commemorative plaque and custom gaming table felt to Underwood to celebrate her closing weekend of REFLECTION. In a private reception, AEG Presents’ Bobby Reynolds and Resorts World Las Vegas’ Alex Dixon led a champagne toast, commemorating Underwood’s illustrious residency.
“Carrie’s final performances mark the end of an era,” said Bobby Reynolds, Senior Vice President, AEG Presents Las Vegas. “Carrie and REFLECTION have made Las Vegas residency history, a testament to the tremendous artistry, talent, and fandom that have powered this production since the venue’s opening. The AEG Presents family could not be more proud to have presented this show alongside Carrie and her team over the last three years, as well as the Resorts World Las Vegas family. Her incredible talent has left an indelible mark on our team, this venue, and her fans, and we will cherish the memories from her unforgettable performances.”
AEG Presents Las Vegas team pictured from L-R Bobby Reynolds, Carrie Underwood, Kris Lingle-Griffith, HC Rowe
Resorts World Las Vegas Executives pictured from L-R Ronn Nicolli, Drew Strozza, Alex Dixon, Carrie Underwood, Carlos Castro, Terry Vavra
“Carrie Underwood’s REFLECTION was a defining chapter for Resorts World Theatre,” said Alex Dixon, CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas. “As our first headliner, Carrie helped put our venue on the map as a top destination for live entertainment on the Strip. Her unforgettable performances and connection with fans created lasting memories for all of us. We’re honored to have shared this journey and look forward to continuing to bring world-class moments to Las Vegas.”
The first artist to grace the Resorts World Theatre stage, Carrie opened the doors of the world-class theatre with a sold-out premiere in December 2021. Exclusively designed for the state-of-the-art venue, REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency quickly became a must-see show in Las Vegas, garnering rave reviews by critics and fans alike. REFLECTION utilized spectacular special effects, pyrotechnics, and the latest visual and audio technology, with extravagant set pieces that can only be seen in her Las Vegas residency. Carrie has taken the entertainment value to new heights, joined onstage by her 8-piece band, a cast of 8 dancers, aerialists and cyr wheel performers, and a special virtual orchestra in a high-energy production that combines the spirit of Nashville and the glitz, glamour, and spectacle Las Vegas audiences have come to expect.
From its first performance to the last, Underwood’s REFLECTION has kept audiences on their feet, singing along on a thrilling musical journey highlighting the Greatest Hits from her stellar career. From the pulsing opening notes to the spectacular finale, the show is indeed a reflection of Carrie’s rise to superstardom, celebrating 20 years since winning the title of “American Idol” and the many #1 hits and bestselling albums she has amassed along the way. The production brought those hits to life in new and different ways that re-imagine fan favorites in a stunning production worthy of Las Vegas. The iconic compilation of dazzling staging and visual effects, powerful vocals, and showstopping moments featured 20 of Underwood’s chart-topping hits, including “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Before He Cheats,” “All-American Girl,” and “Something in the Water.”
The beautiful and innovative sets and stage pieces for REFLECTION were enhanced by mirrors and reflective elements that embody the gemlike qualities of the overall design, with refractive lighting visuals and sophisticated and theatrical visuals that rival any Las Vegas production. Underwood’s awe-inspiring production also featured exemplary technical customization, such as a one-of-a-kind “Cadillac throne” during her performance of “Two Black Cadillacs,” hand-built from reconstructed parts of a limited-edition 1963 Cadillac Coupe deVille. Underwood closed out her final performance of “Something In The Water” beneath her breathtaking waterfall for the last time. The fully functioning water feature measured 45 feet wide and 20 feet tall, harnessing nearly 3,000 gallons of recycled water, which is filtered and refreshed through two different types of filters. The 98-degree water is then circulated by three full-sized pool pumps to create an astonishing waterfall scene. In true Carrie Underwood fashion, the waterfall’s protective hard coat was developed with 100 pounds of glitter that dazzles from every angle beneath the running water.
The only-in-Las Vegas residency also incorporated astounding effects that can only be accomplished by Resorts World Theatre’s state-of-the-art entertainment technology, such as three massive screens moving on stage throughout the show, featuring eye-popping content perfectly synced to the corresponding musical number created by multinational creative teams based in Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, and Montreal. Additionally, Carrie’s stunning wardrobe for REFLECTION consisted of over 35 custom looks custom-created for the production, combining the glitz and glamour of Vegas with the iconic style women of country have rocked for years and Carrie’s own signature country/rock style in revolving custom wardrobe looks throughout the show. Gorgeous bespoke gowns and plenty of bling from colorful rhinestones, fringe, denim, sequins, and a variety of other reflective materials kept all eyes on Carrie amidst the eye-popping creative stage elements, with her world-famous legs on display throughout.
Ben Fuller and Carrie Underwood in the studio recording ”If It Was Up To Me”
NASHVILLE, TENN. (APRIL 11, 2025) Provident Label Group artist and songwriter Ben Fuller releases a new song today featuring 8-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood. Fuller’s song “If It Was Up To Me” features Underwood on this not-to-be-missed powerful duet. Listen to the song now and watch the studio visualizer below.
“When I wrote this song, I kept thinking about how difficult life can be and that if I was in control, and it was up to me, I’d make it a lot easier on myself – but I’d never know then how good God’s plans can be,” shares Ben Fuller. “I’m so grateful Carrie wanted to share her love for Jesus on a song with me. She was so kind and calm when we were in the studio. And I’m pretty sure I smiled almost as big as God did when she stepped up to the mic that day!”
“Ben is such a talented singer and songwriter and I love they joy he brings to singing about his faith, which we have in common,” says Underwood. “I was honored when he asked me to sing with him on ‘If It Was Up To Me,’ and I love how our voices blend on such a positive and uplifting song.”
Today’s release launches the pre-add/pre-save for Fuller’s new album Walk Through Fire, which will be released on June 6th and can be pre-added here. Since his debut in 2023, he has more than 256M career streams. His song “If I Got Jesus” gained large momentum on social channels with more than 1.5B short-form video views and more than 2.1M TikTok creations.
Last month, Fuller released a four-song bundle that included the song “Deeper Still,” which garnered the most week-one streams of any song he has released to date, and his current Top 20 radio single, “Turn.” He is currently on tour with Big Daddy Weave and special guest Megan Woods on the “Let It Begin Tour.” He will begin the CAIN – The Jesus Music Tour. Check out his complete list of tour dates and locations at his site, benfulleroffical.com.
Underwood is in the final run of her REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency, which has played to packed houses at Resorts World Las Vegas since 2021, the longest-running Las Vegas residency of any solo female country artist. Her concert special, “CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION,” is now streaming worldwide on Hulu and Disney+, and she can currently be seen on the judges panel of the hit show “American Idol,” alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on ABC and Hulu, marking the 20th anniversary of her winning the title. Her recent country duet with Cody Johnson, “I’m Gonna Love You,” spent two weeks at #1.
April 6, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – Rock met country in an unforgettable moment last night as Papa Roach and Carrie Underwood surprised the audience and took the stage together for the very first time at the band’s “Rise of the Roach” tour stop at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Underwood made her way down the Strip after coming off stage from her own performance of her hit REFLECTION residency, currently in its final run at Resorts World Theatre. The powerhouse collaboration brought the crowd to its feet with a live performance of their hit single “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark),” followed by a surprise joint performance of Papa Roach’s iconic anthem “Last Resort,” with Underwood joining the band and frontman Jacoby Shaddix to mark the song’s 25th anniversary.
The electrifying performances were a celebration of music, emotion, and unity—with both artists using the moment to continue to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention and celebrate the USA #1 Rock, Top-10 Alt, and Top-15 Hot AC hit “Leave A Light On,” that continues to impact charts across the world.
“What a night it was in Vegas. To finally do ‘Leave a Light On’ live with Carrie Underwood was so rad!” said Jacoby Shaddix, Papa Roach frontman. “Especially after all the work we both have been doing to raise money and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I am so grateful to be able to bring two worlds together for such a great cause.”
“This collaboration has meant so much to me,” said Carrie Underwood. “Getting to sing ‘Leave A Light On’ live with Jacoby for the first time was incredibly special—and then jumping into ‘Last Resort?’ That was just pure adrenaline. I was so incredibly excited to rock out on stage with the guys!”
Nashville, TN – (March 17, 2025) – Platinum-selling artist and CMA Award winner Cody Johnson and 8-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood have reached the top spot at country radio this week, peaking “I’m Gonna Love You” at #1. The monster hit becomes the 4th #1 single of Cody’s career and the 29th for Carrie. The song, written by Chris Stevens, Kelly Archer, and Travis Denning, has garnered 200 million global streams and appears on Cody’s Leather Deluxe album. Get the song HERE.
Music critics have praised “I’m Gonna Love You” claiming it as a ‘classic country duet’ blending Cody’s ‘charismatic baritone’ with Carrie’s ‘commanding delivery.’ The pair performed it on the “58th Annual CMA Awards,” where Cody took home the coveted Album of The Year award for Leather. Just last month, Carrie made a surprise appearance at one of Cody’s two-sold out concerts at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to deliver the song live for the fans. Watch the “I’m Gonna Love You” music video, shot in Wells, Nevada by award-winning director Dustin Haney, HERE.
Cody is currently overseas on tour having just completed three shows during the C2C Festival and will launch headline dates in Australia and New Zealand later this week. He will resume his Leather Deluxe Tour across the U.S. on April 25 & 26 at the CAJUNDOME in Lafayette, LA.
Carrie made her debut this month joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the judges panel of “American Idol,” airing on ABC and Hulu, which marks the 20th anniversary of her winning the title. She continues her run as the first and longest resident at Resorts World Theatre in REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency through April 12, and her concert special, “CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION,” is now streaming worldwide on Hulu and Disney+.
The One-Hour Holiday-Themed Variety Show Taped at Nashville’s Historic Grand Ole Opry Also Features Special Appearances by Mikey Day, Noah Kahan, Martina McBride, Ashley Padilla, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Derrick Stroup, and the Tennessee Titans
December 16, 2024 – Carrie joins GRAMMY® nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze for his first primetime special, as he guides audiences through a mix of stand-up comedy, pre-taped comedy shorts, sketches and musical performances in NATE BARGATZE’S NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS. This one-hour holiday-themed variety show will air on the CBS Television Network Thursday, Dec. 19 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and stream on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs)*.
Taped at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry, NATE BARGATZE’S NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS will shine a spotlight on the spirit of the city during the holiday season, highlighting family, fun and feel-good moments for audiences of all ages. Bargatze returns to the Grand Ole Opry, a venue of personal significance, now headlining a show on its iconic stage after having swept floors there as a teenager.
In addition to Underwood who performs a Christmas classic, the special features appearances by Mikey Day (Saturday Night Live), Noah Kahan, Martina McBride, Ashley Padilla (Saturday Night Live), Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Derrick Stroup, and the Tennessee Titans.
NATE BARGATZE’S NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS is executive produced by Lorne Michaels, Nate Bargatze, Erin David and Andrew Singer of Broadway Video, and Tim Sarkes & Alex Murray of Brillstein Entertainment.
OriginalEpisode Will Feature First Look at New Judging Panel andAuditions
AMERICAN IDOL Ð “Episode TBD” (Disney/Eric McCandless)
LUKE BRYAN, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, LIONEL RICHIE, RYAN SEACREST
Today, ABC announced that it will air a special preview of “American Idol,” television’s most iconic music competition series, following the live telecast of “The Oscars®” SUNDAY, MARCH 2, on ABC and next day on Hulu. Ahead of the new season premiere on March 9, viewers will get to see the new judging panel comprised of season four 2005 winner and eight-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood, alongside fellow music industry icons Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and longtime host Ryan Seacrest, as hopefuls audition to become the nation’s next superstar.
Since it began airing on ABC, “American Idol” has been a top unscripted series on ABC in Total Viewers. “American Idol” ranked as the No. 1 most social entertainment series on broadcast or cable in the 2023-2024 TV season with over 66 million total social interactions. (Source: Talkwalker Social Content Ratings; based on total social interactions for primetime entertainment series; excludes sports and wrestling; 9/25/23-5/24/24.)
The eighth season of “American Idol” on ABC and the franchise’s 23rd season overall officially premieres with a two-hour episode SUNDAY, MARCH 9 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT/PDT), and airs next day on Hulu.
As previously announced, Emmy® Award-winning television host, writer, producer and comedian Conan O’Brien will host “The Oscars,” which will air live coast to coast SUNDAY, MARCH 2 (7:00-10:30 p.m. EST/4:00-7:30 p.m. PST), on ABC. The telecast will also be rebroadcast in the Pacific Time zone in primetime after the live presentation.
“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.
