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LOS ANGELES: American Idol is back for its 24th season, returning to television with a refreshed format, schedule changes and a new competition round aimed at reshaping the early stages of the show.
Read More: American Idol season 24 premieres Monday
ABC premiered American Idol Season 24 on Monday, January 26, breaking from its traditional Sunday night slot. The season launched with a two-hour premiere airing at 8pm ET, marking a strategic shift in programming for the long-running singing competition.
When in Nashville… 🔥🍗
Brad Paisley and @lukebryan cook up an #americanidol prank tonight! pic.twitter.com/nRYQuHROxc
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) January 26, 2026
As in previous seasons, the opening episodes will focus on nationwide auditions, with successful contestants earning the coveted golden ticket to advance. However, one major change this year is the location of Hollywood Week. Branded as Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover, the round will be held in Nashville instead of Los Angeles, signalling a thematic nod to the city’s musical heritage.
Unlike past seasons that featured multiple elimination phases during Hollywood Week, the 2026 edition will consist of a single streamlined phase spread across three episodes, according to the broadcaster.
Season 24 also introduces a brand-new segment called the “Ohana Round,” which will take place during the final episode of Hollywood Week. In this round, the top 30 contestants will perform in front of a panel of industry tastemakers rather than the usual judging trio.
According to reports, the panel will include music producers, social media personalities, performers and senior media figures, offering a broader industry perspective. Following the Ohana Round, only 20 contestants will advance to the next stage of the competition.
Read More: ‘American Idol‘ executive and husband found dead at home
American Idol will air on Monday nights on ABC throughout the season. Episodes will also be available to stream on Hulu one day after broadcast. Viewers without cable access can watch the show live through streaming services such as DirecTV, YouTube TV and Hulu+ Live TV.