In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves through the reality-TV landscape, American Idol has dropped a bombshell: country music icon Blake Shelton is officially joining the judges’ panel alongside fellow country superstar Carrie Underwood for the upcoming Season 24, set to air in 2026. The announcement, made by ABC on September 18, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of excitement, speculation, and debate among fans, industry insiders, and media outlets. While Shelton’s addition promises to inject fresh energy into the long-running singing competition, the burning question on everyone’s mind is: who’s getting the boot to make room for him?

A Powerhouse Addition to the Panel

Blake Shelton, a household name with a storied career in country music, brings a wealth of experience and charisma to American Idol. Known for his 23 chart-topping singles, nine Grammy nominations, and a larger-than-life personality honed over 11 seasons as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, Shelton is no stranger to the world of televised talent competitions. His quick wit, relatable charm, and deep industry knowledge make him a natural fit for the Idol judges’ table. Fans are already buzzing about the potential chemistry between Shelton and Underwood, both of whom share roots in country music and a knack for connecting with audiences.

“Blake is a game-changer for American Idol,” said executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick in a statement. “His authenticity, humor, and star power will elevate the show to new heights. Pairing him with Carrie, who’s already proven herself as a phenomenal judge, sets the stage for an unforgettable season.”

Underwood, who joined the panel in 2024 to replace Katy Perry, marked a full-circle moment for the show as its Season 4 winner in 2005. Her debut as a judge in Season 23 was met with mixed reactions—some praised her empathetic approach and industry insight, while others, including Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts, suggested she struggled to connect with non-country genres. Despite the criticism, Underwood’s return for Season 24 was confirmed in August 2025, alongside longtime judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Now, with Shelton’s addition, the panel is poised for a dynamic shift—but at what cost?

The Big Question: Who’s Out?

With Underwood, Bryan, and Richie confirmed for Season 24 just weeks ago, Shelton’s arrival raises eyebrows. Historically, American Idol has maintained a three-judge panel since its reboot on ABC in 2018, making it highly likely that one of the current judges will be replaced to accommodate Shelton. But who?

Luke Bryan: The Country Conundrum

The most immediate speculation points to Luke Bryan, a mainstay on the Idol panel since 2018. Bryan, a country music superstar in his own right, has been a fan favorite for his down-to-earth demeanor and constructive feedback. However, with Shelton and Underwood both representing the country genre, some wonder if Bryan’s seat is in jeopardy. Would American Idol risk overloading the panel with country artists, potentially alienating fans of other genres? Critics argue that three country judges (if Richie stays) could skew the show’s diversity, especially after Season 23 faced backlash for favoring country-leaning contestants.

On the other hand, Bryan’s long tenure and popularity make him a valuable asset. Sources close to the production, speaking anonymously to Variety, suggest that Bryan’s contract negotiations for Season 24 were “rocky,” with disagreements over creative control and scheduling conflicts with his ongoing tour. Could Shelton, a bigger name with a proven track record on The Voice, be the producers’ answer to replacing Bryan while maintaining the country fanbase? Fans on X are divided, with some posting, “Luke’s been the heart of Idol for years—replacing him with Blake would be a mistake,” while others argue, “Blake’s a bigger draw. Time for fresh blood.”

Lionel Richie: A Legend Under Pressure?

Another possibility is Lionel Richie, the veteran judge who’s been with the show since its ABC revival. Richie, a global icon with decades of hits across pop, R&B, and soul, brings a unique perspective to the panel. His warm, encouraging style has endeared him to contestants and viewers alike, but at 76, some speculate that Richie may be ready to step back. Posts on X have hinted at Richie potentially wanting to focus on his music career or other projects, though no official statements support this claim.

Richie’s departure would be a significant loss for American Idol, given his universal appeal and ability to mentor contestants across genres. However, pairing Shelton’s modern country flair with Underwood’s Idol legacy and a potential new judge from a different genre could diversify the panel while keeping its star power intact. A source close to Richie told People magazine, “Lionel loves Idol, but he’s not getting any younger. If the show wants a bold new direction, he might be the one to step aside gracefully.”

Carrie Underwood: An Unlikely But Dramatic Twist?

While it seems improbable, some fans have even speculated that Underwood herself could be the one replaced, with Shelton stepping in as a more seasoned TV personality to anchor the country representation. Underwood’s first season as a judge was polarizing—while some praised her emotional connection to contestants, others, like Jamal Roberts, criticized her for perceived bias toward country artists. A scathing post on X from June 2025 claimed, “Carrie’s too nice and doesn’t have the edge Idol needs. Blake would bring the fire she lacks.”

However, Underwood’s confirmed return for Season 24 and her status as an Idol alum make her exit unlikely. Replacing her so soon after joining would be a PR nightmare for ABC, especially given the fanfare surrounding her “full-circle” moment. Still, the rumor mill churns, with some fans theorizing that Shelton’s addition could signal a larger overhaul that even Underwood isn’t safe from.

Why Blake? Why Now?

Shelton’s move to American Idol comes at a pivotal moment for the show. Despite its enduring popularity, American Idol has faced challenges in recent years, including declining ratings and criticism for feeling “stale” compared to competitors like The Voice and America’s Got Talent. The 2025 season averaged 7.3 million cross-platform viewers over five weeks, a solid but not spectacular figure compared to its peak years. With Underwood’s debut season receiving mixed reviews and ongoing speculation about the show’s direction, producers seem eager to shake things up.

Shelton’s proven track record on The Voice, where he coached 11 seasons and mentored nine winners, makes him a strategic addition. His ability to spot talent, deliver candid feedback, and charm audiences could help Idol recapture its former glory. Additionally, his high-profile relationship with Gwen Stefani, a fellow Voice coach, adds a layer of pop-culture intrigue that could draw in younger viewers—a demographic Idol has struggled to retain.

“Blake’s not just a judge; he’s a cultural phenomenon,” said an ABC insider to The Hollywood Reporter. “His banter with contestants, his industry connections, and his ability to make headlines will keep Idol in the conversation.” The insider also hinted at “format changes” for Season 24, including surprise mentors, a revamped audition process, and potential twists in the live rounds, suggesting that Shelton’s arrival is part of a broader reinvention.

Fan and Industry Reactions

The announcement has sparked a whirlwind of reactions across social media and entertainment circles. On X, fans are polarized. Some are thrilled, with one user posting, “Blake Shelton on Idol? This is the best news ever! He’s going to bring the humor and heart we’ve been missing.” Others are skeptical, with comments like, “Another country judge? Idol is turning into the CMA Awards. Where’s the diversity?” Industry analysts, meanwhile, see Shelton’s addition as a calculated move to compete with The Voice, where Shelton’s departure in 2023 left a void that NBC has struggled to fill.

Music critic Sarah Thompson, writing for Billboard, noted, “Shelton’s signing is a bold play to leverage his star power and country fanbase, but it risks alienating viewers who want a broader musical perspective. The producers need to balance this with a diverse third judge or risk losing credibility.” Others speculate that Shelton’s involvement could attract high-profile guest mentors, with names like Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, or even Stefani floating around as possibilities.

The Bigger Picture: A Reinvention in the Works?

The Shelton bombshell is just one piece of a larger puzzle. ABC’s teasers about Season 24 promise “the most unexpected season yet,” with rumors of format changes that could include:

Expanded Audition Rounds: Auditions began on August 26, 2025, with a focus on “Idol University,” a thematic approach that emphasizes mentorship and growth.

Surprise Mentors: Producers have hinted at bringing in A-list artists to mentor contestants, similar to the artist-in-residence role introduced in Season 23.

Live Round Twists: Insiders suggest that the live performance rounds could feature new voting mechanics or elimination formats to keep viewers engaged.

Digital Integration: With over 1.65 billion social media video views in 2025, Idol is leaning into digital platforms, potentially incorporating fan-driven challenges or interactive elements.

These changes signal a show fighting to stay relevant in a crowded entertainment landscape. Shelton’s star power, combined with Underwood’s legacy and the potential departure of a veteran judge, could be the spark Idol needs to reclaim its status as America’s premier singing competition.

What’s Next?

As American Idol gears up for its 2026 season, all eyes are on the judges’ table. Will Shelton’s arrival usher in a new golden era, or will it deepen the divide among fans who crave a more diverse panel? The mystery of who’s getting replaced—Bryan, Richie, or an unexpected twist involving Underwood—remains unsolved, with producers staying tight-lipped. “We’re not ready to reveal the full panel just yet,” Wolflick teased in a press release. “But trust us, it’s going to be a wild ride.”

For now, fans can only speculate and await further announcements. Auditions are underway, and with Shelton and Underwood confirmed, the stage is set for a season filled with drama, talent, and surprises. Whether this gamble pays off—or backfires spectacularly—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: American Idol is pulling out all the stops to keep viewers glued to their screens.