American Idol has been one of the most famous and well-known singing competitions in Television history; the 24th season was released in 2026, introducing new talent to American Idol, new elements of the format of the show, and many great changes to the format. After being the launching point for so many great chart-toppers and also for so many memorable celebrities, Season 24 was an opportunity for aspiring artists from every corner of the United States to get a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime music career.
On Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8 PM Eastern Time, Season 24 will premiere on ABC. This season will be the earliest to start in Idol history. Beginning this week, American Idol will be broadcast on Monday nights, with all episodes available for streaming beginning on the following Tuesday.
Season 24 features the return of the beloved judges, returning host Ryan Seacrest, an assortment of emotional auditions and tough competition levels, all of which have made this the most buzzed-about Idol season in recent memory.
American Idol Season 24 Start Date
The 24th season of American Idol was launched on January 26, 2026, on ABC between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM ET/PT (until 10:00 PM). Unlike seasons past that aired on Sundays, Season 24 airs Mondays, beginning with a two-hour audition show.
Weekly Schedule
- Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC – The new episodes will be broadcast on ABC.
- Next-day streaming – Episodes will be available on Hulu, Disney+, and through ABC.com after the show airs.
Audition shows will air through February, followed by Hollywood Week, Top 20, and eventually the live performances from the Top 20. Early in the season will generally follow this format, but may include adjustments during the course of the year.
- Episode 1: Auditions Part One – 26th January
- Episode 2: Auditions Part Two – 2nd February
- Episode 3: Auditions Part Three – 09th February
- Episode 4: Auditions Part Four – 16th February
- Hollywood Week – Late February to Early March
- Top 20 – Mid-March and onward.
Judges and Host
The original judging panel for season 24 was brought back, and it includes:
- Country music icon Luke Bryan
- Former winner of American Idol and Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood
- Music legend and long-time Idol judge Lionel Richie
Host of the Show
The show’s host remains Ryan Seacrest. Ryan Seacrest has been hosting since the beginning of the show, and he continues to be a familiar face to the show’s audience.
The chemistry between the judges and Ryan creates a unique combination of mentorship, criticism, and entertainment that contributes to American Idol being one of the most popular competition shows on television.
What’s new for this season?
The 24th Season is going to have several exciting and noticeable changes, including:
Hollywood Week
This year, contestants will be competing in Nashville, Tennessee, instead of Los Angeles for their chance to impress the judges during Hollywood Week.
The Ohana Round
After Hollywood Week, contestants will now have the opportunity to perform in front of industry professionals, fellow finalists, friends and family in Hawaii. This is a new addition to the American Idol experience and gives contestants a chance to connect with their audience on a more personal level.
The Evolution of Voting
Fans can now vote through social media, instead of voting through traditional ways (phone or text). By allowing voting through social media, we aim to engage the younger generation of fans as well as evolve the way viewers interact with the show.
