‘American Idol’ Season 23 Judges’ Surprising Salaries
By Chijioke ChukwuemekaOn Mar 16, 2025
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American Idol' Season 23 Judges' Surprising SalariesThe latest season of American Idol is here, bringing fresh excitement, a major shakeup on the judging panel, and, of course, some hefty paychecks for the stars who help shape the competition.
This season is particularly special as it marks the debut of country superstar and former Idol champion Carrie Underwood as a judge.
With longtime judge Katy Perry stepping away to focus on her music career, the show needed a major name to fill the void. Securing Underwood, one of the biggest success stories American Idol has ever produced, is a game-changing move.
Fans are thrilled to see her transition from contestant to judge, offering insights from someone who has walked the same path as the aspiring artists.
The Returning Judges and Host
Alongside Carrie Underwood, two familiar faces have returned to the judging panel: country hitmaker Luke Bryan and music legend Lionel Richie. Both have been part of the show since its revival in 2018, bringing their industry expertise and charisma to the competition.
Bryan, known for hits like Play It Again and Country Girl (Shake It for Me), continues to be a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Richie—whose career has spanned decades with classics like Hello and All Night Long—remains a guiding force for contestants.
Another constant is host Ryan Seacrest. Despite taking on his new role as the host of Wheel of Fortune, Seacrest remains committed to his American Idol duties, ensuring that each episode runs smoothly. His presence has been a staple of the show since its very first season.
How Much Are the Judges Getting Paid?
A big-name judging panel comes with a big budget, and American Idol isn’t cutting corners when it comes to salaries. According to reports, here’s how much the key players are earning per season:
Luke Bryan – $12 million
Lionel Richie – $10 million
Carrie Underwood – Estimated between $10 million and $12.5 million
Ryan Seacrest (Host) – $12 million
Underwood’s paycheck is reportedly about half of what Katy Perry earned per season. However, as a first-time judge, her salary is still impressive and could increase in the future if she continues with the show.
What’s New in Season 23?
Beyond the new judging lineup, American Idol Season 23 has introduced another exciting element: Grammy-nominated artist Jelly Roll has joined the show as the first-ever Artist in Residence.
His role involves mentoring contestants, providing them with guidance and industry insights throughout the season.
The show’s production team also traveled across the country in search of the best undiscovered talent.
A special preview episode aired on March 2, immediately after the 97th Oscars, giving audiences an early glimpse of what’s to come—including Underwood’s grand entrance as the newest judge.
When and Where to Watch
American Idol Season 23 officially premiered on March 9 at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC. New episodes continue to air weekly, featuring auditions, performances, and eliminations as the competition unfolds. Fans can also stream the show on ABC’s digital platforms.
With a fresh mix of talent, familiar faces, and a former Idol winner now in the judge’s chair, this season promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Will Carrie Underwood’s presence give contestants an extra edge? Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: the journey to discovering the next American Idol is well underway.
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