Start New Season? Date and Details
The new season of American Idol—Season 24 overall and Season 9 since its ABC revival—kicked off on Monday, January 26, 2026, airing at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC. Episodes will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.
Why This Season Matters
This season isn’t just another number. It ushers in fresh elements that reshape the show’s rhythm, pacing, and viewer experience. ABC moved Idol to Monday nights and introduced new voting methods, audition formats, and location twists—all designed to reinvigorate its long-running format.
Premiere Date, Airing & Streaming Schedule
- Premiere Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- Day Change: Shifted to Mondays from Sundays, shaking up the traditional weekend slot
- Streaming: Available next day on Hulu; also on ABC.com/app
Judges, Host & Mentors
- Host: Ryan Seacrest returns, cemented by a renewed contract
- Judges: Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood—all back
- Mentors: Celebrity mentors Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley join this season’s lineup
Format Tweaks and Audition Innovations
Idol Week Goes South (to Nashville)
Hollywood Week’s usual LA rigors are transformed into Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover in Nashville—a streamlined single-round which brings the “biggest Hollywood Week cut” yet.
Virtual and In-Person Auditions Collide
- Virtual: Idol Across America run from August to October 2025
- In-Person: Held in November 2025 at Belmont University in Nashville
Aloha in the Competition: The Ohana Round
Following Nashville’s round, the Ohana Round takes place at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Contestants perform in front of industry tastemakers, peers, and loved ones for an emotional, ground-breaking twist.
Voting Goes Social
For the first time, viewers can vote through social media. This update aligns with trends and targets younger, digital-native audiences.
Expert Perspective
“We have to meet the audience where they are… we want to make it as easy as possible for people to vote for their favorites… If we can get Gen Alpha and Gen Z to weigh in a little bit more… that’s very exciting.”
— Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|———————-|——————————————-|
| Premiere Date | Jan 26, 2026 (Monday, 8 p.m. ET) |
| Host & Judges | Seacrest; Underwood, Bryan, Richie |
| New Mentors | Keke Palmer, Brad Paisley |
| Auditions | Virtual + Nashville open-calls |
| Hollywood Week Twist | One-round in Nashville |
| Ohana Round | Hawaii segment with unique judging format |
| Voting | Includes social media for first time |
| Streaming | Next-day on Hulu, also on ABC platforms |
Conclusion
American Idol’s 2026 debut on January 26 ushers in a refreshed format that blends tradition with innovation. From relocating Hollywood Week to Nashville, to adding the cinematic Ohana Round in Hawaii, and embracing social voting, the show is doubling down on relevance while honoring its heritage.
These strategic changes signal ABC and producers are keen to keep the show fresh, accessible, and deeply connected to evolving audience behaviors.
FAQs
When does the new American Idol season start?
Season 24 premiered on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Can I stream the episodes online?
Yes—new episodes are available for streaming the next day on Hulu, and also accessible via ABC.com or the ABC app.
Who are the judges and host this season?
Ryan Seacrest returns as host. The judging panel includes Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
What new rounds or segments should viewers expect?
Auditions include virtual and in-person options, followed by Hollywood Week in Nashville, then the scenic Ohana Round in Hawaii, which includes peer, family, and industry input.
How has the voting changed this season?
For the first time, fans can vote via social media platforms, complementing traditional methods to engage younger demographics.
Are there any celebrity mentors this season?
Yes—this season features celebrity mentors Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley guiding contestants in upcoming stages.
