American Idol has shared the premiere date for Season 24 of the show, and it’s earlier than fans might have been expecting. The show has also announced a new twist for this season’s version of the infamous Hollywood Week.
American Idol Announces Season 24 Premiere Date
Since American Idol moved from FOX to ABC in 2018, the show has premiered in either February or March. However, this season’s competition will start a little bit earlier, as the official premiere date has been announced as January 26, 2026.
Notably, the show will premiere on a Monday, as opposed to the typical Sunday air date. This will apparently stay the same all season, as American Idol posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Oh Mondays just got GOOD.” Fans can watch new episodes on ABC, or stream the following day on Hulu.
This season, the judging panel will once again feature Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, alongside former Idol winner Carrie Underwood, who is returning for her second season as a judge after replacing Katy Perry earlier this year. Ryan Seacrest will also be back as the show’s host.
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Hollywood Week Will Look Different This Season
Longtime fans of American Idol know that Hollywood Week is a major part of the competition every season. Singers who make it through their audition receive a Golden Ticket to Hollywood, and the round is known for being stressful as the judges make cuts.
This season, Hollywood Week will look a little bit different, as it won’t be taking place in Hollywood at all. According to a press release from ABC, this portion of the competition will instead take place in Nashville, Tennessee. It will consist of just one round and be called Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover.
Each contestant will apparently have only one chance to prove themselves ahead of what ABC describes as “the biggest Hollywood Week cut in ‘Idol’ history.” Are you excited to watch the new season? Let us know in the comments below.
