When Does ‘American Idol’ Return for Season 24? Premiere Date Revealed

Since American Idol moved over to ABC from Fox in 2018, we’ve been consistently getting one new season a year. Most recently, the show aired its 23rd overall season in spring 2025.

Before the finale, ABC confirmed that American Idol had been renewed for a new season. It will be Season 9 on ABC and Season 24 overall. Now, nearly six months later, we have more information about when the show will return. Scroll down for everything we know about Season 24!

When does American Idol Season 24 premiere?

Season 24 of American Idol premieres on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8/7c. This is an earlier start to the season than other recent years, which began at the end of February or early March. It’s also a new day for Idol, which previously aired on Sundays on ABC.

Previously, Seasons 16, 17, and 23 began in early March, while Seasons 18 to 22 all premiered in February.

Who are the American Idol Season 24 judges?

The judges were announced on August 25. For the second year in a row, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie will be on the panel. They shared the news with a video on social media that showed them preparing to go “back to school” at Idol University.

“Class is back in session,” Bryan says, as the cameras cut to Underwood packing lunches. “And this year,” she adds, “we’re majoring in music as we help launch your dreams.” While holding a thermos of coffee, Richie says, “Hello! I’m your professor of positivity.”

Bryan then dubs himself the “professor of fun,” noting that he’s “serious … but FUN,” and Underwood references one of her song titles by adding, “Sign up for my class, you’ll be blown away.”

 

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Bryan and Richie have been judging the show since it first began airing on ABC in 2018. Katy Perry previously served as a judge for sven season before she exited and was replaced by Underwood for Season 23.

Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest has been hosting the show since it first premiered in 2002.

When are American Idol Season 24 auditions?

Along with the judges reveal, ABC also announced how aspiring singers can start auditioning with the “Idol Across America” live virtual auditions. The auditions kick off on Tuesday, August 26, and continue across all 50 states and Washington D.C. throughout the rest of August and most of September (Full list of dates here).

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“Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions,” a press release revealed. “Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.”

From there, a select few will be chosen to actually sing in front of the judges. For Season 23, those audition days were on September 30, 2024, in New York, October 30, 2024, in Nashville, and December 2024 in Los Angeles.

Where is Hollywood Week on American Idol Season 24?

Those who make it through the audition process will move on to Hollywood Week, and for the first time ever, this will be taking place in Nashville instead of Los Angeles.

While Hollywood Week used to be a grueling week of competition with several rounds and cuts, this year, Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover, will just be one round and feature the “biggest Hollywood Week cut in Idol history,” per a press release.

American Idol, Season 24 Premiere, Monday, January 26, 2026, 8/7c, ABC