LOS ANGELES -- Disney announced on Monday that the "American Idol" judge trio consisting of Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will be returning to screens for season nine!

The upcoming season will mark the second season together for the trio as they search for the nation's next superstar.

Season nine auditions kick off August 26, with the return of "Idol Across America," the first step for those auditioning to showcase their talents face-to-face with an "American Idol" producer.

"Idol Across America" auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):

"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

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