Bryan, Underwood, Richie return as Idol judges

Bryan has been a judge for eight years, while Underwood, who won American Idol in 2004, joined last season. Richie has been a judge since 2018.

"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 number one on the night and for the week in primetime.

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.

Auditions will be held:
"First 900" VIP Event (Aug. 26)
Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 27)
Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 28)
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 2)
Nationwide open call (Sept. 3)
Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Sept. 4)
Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sept. 8)
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 9)
Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sept. 11)
East Coast open call (Sept. 12)
The South open call (Sept. 15)
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 16)
West and Midwest open call (Sept. 18)
Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 19)
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 22)
Nationwide open call (Sept. 24)

People can sign up to audition.