Brad Paisley Joins 'American Idol' as Guest Mentor

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brad Paisley is set to be a guest mentor on the new season of American Idol, where he will be joined by Keke Palmer to help the top 20 singers. Paisley, who is an alumnus of Nashville's Belmont University, reunited with his longtime CMA co-host Carrie Underwood, as well as judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, during the show's auditions at his alma mater.

Why it matters

Paisley's appearance as a guest mentor on American Idol marks a high-profile reunion with his CMA co-host Carrie Underwood, further strengthening the country music connection on the singing competition show. His involvement is also expected to draw additional interest and viewership from country music fans.

The details

Paisley's first appearance as a guest mentor will be on March 16 with the top 20 contestants at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Until then, new two-hour episodes of American Idol will air on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

• Paisley's first appearance as a guest mentor will be on March 16.
• New two-hour episodes of American Idol will air on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

What’s next

Fans can catch two-hour episodes of American Idol Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC until Paisley's first appearance as a guest mentor on March 16.