american idol will return in early 2026, and this time, the public will have a different experience. With changes to voting methods and even Hollywood Week, fans of the reality TV competition series are gearing up to watch as well. Idol alum Carrie Underwood take the judges’ table again with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. So, without further ado, we all need to know the season 24 premiere date.
hollywood life has all the details about Idol’s season 24 below.
What’s different about it? american idol in 2026?
In short, many things are different with american idol now. Voting is one of the first major changes fans will know about. The public will now be able to vote for their favorite singers live on social networks.
showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick explained to Deadline who wanted to “meet the audience where they are,” especially as today’s generations consume entertainment.
“If we can get Generation Alpha and Generation Z to weigh a little more in the easiest way possible, that’s very exciting,” Megan told the outlet. “It could tip the balance. Trends are always different. We have to meet the audience where they are. In 2002, when the show started, texting was the new thing. We also have to meet technology where it is. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to vote for their favorites and weigh in from their couch with their second screen, in real time.”
The other difference with Idol This time Hollywood Week is taking place in Nashville, Tennessee, instead of Los Angeles, California. Taped auditions took place at Belmont University in Nashville. Therefore, the series’ famous catchphrase might sound different: “You’re going to Hollywood!”
when he does it american idol Season 24 premiere? Release date 2026
Season 24 of american idol premieres on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 8 pm ET.
How can I watch? american idol Live?
Fans can tune in american idol on ABC every Monday starting in late January 2026. For those without cable, episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the next day.
