Archive · 28 Jan 2026
American Idol Scores Best Debut in Four Years
American Idol had its best start in four years with almost 6 million viewers.
It moved from Sunday to Monday nights and has new judges and a host.
The show also introduced live social media voting.
The premiere had special performances, including one about a girl who passed away.
ABC is happy because it did better than another singing show called The Voice.
They think the new night helps them avoid big events like the Grammys and Super Bowl.
American Idol's season debut drew 5.9 million total viewers, the highest in four years.
The show moved from Sunday to Monday nights and introduced live social media voting.
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest with judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
Premiere featured emotional performances, including one about a 13-year-old girl who died by suicide.
ABC compared its premiere performance favorably to NBC's The Voice, claiming it 'outdelivered' the show's fall average.
- Who
- American Idol, ABC, Ryan Seacrest, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood
- What
- American Idol's season debut
- When
- Recent season premiere
- Where
- ABC network
- Why
- Move to Monday nights and new voting methods
- Total Viewers
- 5.9M
- Adults 18-49 Rating
- 0.54
- Previous Year's Debut
- 4.49M (0.45)
- Last Strong Premiere
- Season 20 in 2022
- Host
- Ryan Seacrest
- Judges
- Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood
- New Airing Night
- Mondays
- Previous Airing Night
- Sundays