NASHVILLE, TN — (January 28, 2026) – Three-time Grammy winner Brad Paisley will appear on American Idol this season as a guest mentor, alongside Keke Palmer, offering his guidance and musical expertise to this season’s top 20 hopefuls. Watch HERE. Brad appeared in Monday night’s season premiere, pranking his longtime friend and frequent comedic partner, Carrie Underwood, during auditions in Nashville at his alma mater, Belmont University.
American Idol airs Mondays from 8 - 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams next day on Hulu. Brad Paisley will be featured in Episode 908, Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii - Part 1, airing Monday, March 16, and Episode 909, Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii - Part 2, airing Monday, March 23.
ABOUT BRAD PAISLEY:
Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most talented and decorated male solo artists. For more than 25 years, his songwriting and unmatched showmanship have earned him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards, including a highly coveted Entertainer of the Year honor and recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, alongside Carrie Underwood, for 11 consecutive years. A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001, Paisley has written 21 of his 25 No. 1 hits and, in 2008, became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles. The superstar's past works have amassed nearly 5 billion career streams. Brad was recently inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Brad and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, are co-founders of The Store, a nonprofit, free-referral grocery store that empowers low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. The Store now has two locations and operates with the mission of enabling people to shop for their basic needs while protecting dignity and fostering hope. For more information, visit www.thestore.org. 
