Luke Bryan Hasn’t Decided on ‘American Idol’ Return, Predicts Carrie Underwood Will be Back

Luke Bryan thinks his fellow judge Carrie Underwood will return to American Idol for season 24, but he can’t say the same for himself — yet.

In an interview with Taste of Country Nights published on Wednesday, July 30, the country artist, 49, chatted about the future of the judging panel — which most recently included him, Underwood, and Lionel Richie — on the long-running singing competition series.

The “Play It Again” singer said Underwood, 42, “really enjoyed” her first season as a judge. “I know she had a great time in the role,” he told the outlet.

Underwood was, of course, a contestant on season 4 of the hit show in 2005, taking home the trophy.

When asked if he thinks the “Before He Cheats” hitmaker will be back in the future, Bryan answered, “My prediction would be highly favorable.”

As for himself, the “Country Girl” singer — who has been a judge on the show since season 16 in 2018 — gave a cryptic answer when asked about his return, telling the outlet, “We’ll see what happens.”

“Idol is kind of a year-by-year, ‘Do we do it or not?'” he explained.

“Last year was really, really incredible with Carrie and Lionel and Ryan,” Bryan reflected, “and the main thing is just, have fun with American Idol and have fun with the kids [contestants].”

Underwood spoke to E! at the season 23 finale of Idol and gushed over her experience.

“I had a lot of fun, for sure,” she admitted. “I didn’t know how I’d feel about it, [but] Luke and Lionel, and the crew … the people that work on the show are just so easy to be around.”

When asked if she would return as part of the judging trio, she responded, “That would be cool, I think.”

As Star previously reported, Underwood has been considering venturing into acting as well.

“Carrie did one cameo a few years back and she thoroughly enjoyed it,” a source told Star earlier this month, referring to her role in Cobra Kai season 4. “It would give her a lot of satisfaction to get back on a set and tackle a real role this time.”

“She’s spent time in L.A. doing American Idol and feels she’s got a better grip on the Hollywood acting scene now,” the source explained. “It would be a great springboard whether she chooses to do another season of Idol or not, that’s still up in the air.”

“One thing’s for sure, she plans on furthering her acting ambitions,” the source added.