Archive · 26 Jan 2026
American Idol Season 24: Early Start, New Twists
American Idol is coming back for its 24th season on January 26, 2026, earlier than usual.
It will air on ABC on Monday nights at 8.00 p.m.
ET and can be streamed the next day on Hulu, Disney+, and JioHotstar in India.
Ryan Seacrest is hosting again, and the judges are Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood.
This season has some new things, like Hollywood Week happening in Nashville instead of Los Angeles.
There will also be more cuts than before, and fans can vote live during the season to help decide who moves forward.
The show is all about finding new singing talent and helping them grow.
American Idol Season 24 premieres on Monday, 26 January 2026, at 8.00 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu, Disney+, and JioHotstar (India).
Ryan Seacrest returns as host, with judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood.
Hollywood Week is reimagined as 'Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover' and will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring the largest single round of cuts in Idol history.
The season introduces live social voting, allowing fans to directly influence contestants' advancement.
Judges emphasize a supportive and nurturing approach to talent development, shifting from blunt commentary.
- Who
- Ryan Seacrest (host), Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood (judges), contestants from across the United States
- What
- American Idol Season 24 premiere and new features
- When
- Monday, 26 January 2026
- Where
- ABC at 8.00 p.m. ET, streaming on Hulu, Disney+, JioHotstar (India), Hollywood Week in Nashville, Tennessee
- Why
- To find the next music superstar and provide a platform for talent discovery and development
- Season
- 24
- Premiere Date
- Monday, 26 January 2026
- Host
- Ryan Seacrest
- Judges
- Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood
- Streaming Platforms
- Hulu, Disney+, JioHotstar (India)
- Airing Time
- 8.00 p.m. ET on ABC
- New Location
- Nashville, Tennessee for Hollywood Week
- Voting
- Live social voting during the season