American Idol Season 24 is gearing up to premiere next week, and fans should expect a few notable changes to the competition. That includes a new method of voting, as well as a new Ohana Round in Hawaii.
American Idol Introduces New Voting for Season 24
Deadline reports that American Idol will introduce social media voting for Season 24 of the show. Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick said the show hopes to attract younger viewers with this new way to pick favorites.
“We have to meet the audience where they are. Back in 2002 when the show began, texting was the new hot thing,” Michaels Wolflick said. “We also have to meet the technology where it is, as well. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to vote for their favorites, weigh in from their couch with their second screen, in real time.”
More specific details about this new method of voting are apparently still being finalized, and Deadline confirms that the more traditional form of voting by text and phone will still be available to viewers this season.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ SEASON 24: SNEAK PEEK AT 24 AUDITIONING SINGERS
What Other Changes Can Fans Expect This Year?
Social media voting isn’t the only change fans can expect during Season 24 of American Idol. As previously announced, this year’s Hollywood Week round will actually take place in Nashville, Tennessee.
This season will also feature a new Ohana Round, which will take place over three episodes at Disney’s Aulani Resort. During this round, the Top 30 contestants will perform for a group of “industry tastemakers,” as well as their fellow contestants, family, and friends, with the competition ultimately narrowing down to 20.
“The judges will comment, and at the end, each of the groups will pick their favorite person. Those three people will get the platinum ticket,” said Michaels Wolflick. “Back in the day, Kris Allen would have been the pick of the people and Adam Lambert probably would have been the industry pick. I’m super curious who the [potential] Idols are going to pick because they can’t vote for themselves.”
American Idol Season 24 premieres on Monday, January 26, on ABC. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will be back on the panel, with Ryan Seacrest returning as the show’s host.
