American Idol Season 24: Hollywood Week Overhauled

American Idol season 24 is officially coming on January 26, 2026, and there will be big changes. Once again, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will be the judges. Ryan Seacrest is back to host again. The show starts earlier than it normally would, and there are big changes to the format and to Hollywood Week.

Auditions have already started, and fans can watch them live or online. Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, auditions, judges, and more.

Who Are the American Idol Judges in Season 24?

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The American Idol season 24 judges bring new energy and familiarity to the singing competition show. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are all coming back to the panel. This is Underwood’s second season, and it is very special to him.

She won the show herself in the past and is now coming back to help the next generation of singers. The three of them made a fun video set in “Idol University” to announce their return and welcome fans to the new season.

Meet the Returning Panel

These judges are still making decisions that will affect the future of American Idol.  The competitors get guidance from their star power, experience, and feedback.

• Carrie Underwood: A previous winner who is now in her second season as a judge.
• Luke Bryan: Famous for taking a fun and easygoing approach.
• Lionel Richie: Brings deep understanding of emotions and wisdom.

Carrie Underwood Replaces Katy Perry

After a lot of success, Katy Perry left, and Carrie Underwood took her place. Fans who followed Perry’s long era as a judge will see a big change with this.

• Katy Perry exit: After seven seasons, it was confirmed in early 2024.
• Underwood’s journey: From winning in 2005 to coaching the talented people of today.
• Idol University video: Judges were announced in August 2025.

What To Expect From American Idol Season 24?

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There will be big format changes in the upcoming season that change the mood and speed of the competition. The producers promise more surprises, faster eliminations, and new twists. For many fans, this feels like a one-of-a-kind event. With each passing year, each season feels grander and more polished, and this one might be the most thrilling one so far.

Big Format Shifts and New Energy

Megan Michaels Wolflick, an American Idol producer, said there would be big changes in the audition process and other parts of the show. There were not too many details given, but there was a clear message: expect the unexpected.

• Big format changes: In October, the producers said it was true.
• Surprises ahead: New ways to pick the best candidates.
• Event-like feel: Make every episode a moment to remember.

Welcome to the Music City Takeover

Hollywood Week is moving to Nashville for the first time. The Music City Takeover replaces the normal Hollywood set and promises a huge cut after just one round.

• New location: Nashville replaces Los Angeles.
• One-round format: Before cuts, there is only one audition round with a judge.
• Biggest elimination yet: A lot of contenders will be dropped quickly.

When Is American Idol Season 24 Coming Out?

Image © 2025 Fremantle / 19 Entertainment / ABC

The first episode of season 24 will come out on January 26, 2026. In contrast to the last few years, when the show aired in February or March, this season starts earlier and will now be on Monday instead of Sunday night. 

People are already getting excited about American Idol all over the country, even though the schedule has changed, which may affect how people watch the show.

A New Date and a New Day

Fans who are used to watching on Sunday nights will have to get used to something new. This change is meant to attract more people at the beginning of the year.

• Season 24 premiere: January 26, 2026.
• Day of airing: Moves from Sunday to Monday.
• Time slot: 8/7c on ABC.

Why This Shift Is a Big Deal

The earlier start date is a sign of ABC’s effort to bring new energy to the show. It also stays clear of other big shows that start later in the year.

• Recent years: Starts in February and ends in March.
• New episodes: Begin at the end of January.
• ABC’s strategy: Begin with energy and keep it up.

How Do Auditions Work For American Idol Season 24?

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The audition process for the next season is now more open and accessible than ever before. The “Idol Across America” campaign started virtual auditions for the show in August. 

This gave hopeful singers from all 50 states and Washington, DC, the chance to connect with an American Idol producer. In these live sessions, contestants get to show off their skills in person before moving on to the judge auditions.

How To Sign Up For Virtual Auditions

People who want to audition have to go to the official website and sign up. The virtual auditions let people sing live from anywhere. This method makes sure that everyone has an equal chance of getting the golden ticket, which can change their life.

• Official audition date: Started on the 26th of August and went on until September.
• Open call dates: It started in August, went through September, and ended in late September 2025.
• Open worldwide: You didn’t have to be in the U.S. to be eligible.
• Talents face-to-face: Contestants used live video to sing directly to the producers.

From Producers To Judge Auditions

If you do well in the first round, you might get to sing for the judges. This step happened in several different cities on specific days set aside for auditions. In the past, the show has gone to New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles.

• Audition days: Lasted from September through December 2024.
• Golden ticket moments: The top contenders moved up to the next round.
• Tour cities: Auditions have historically taken place in at least three cities.
• Whole lives changed: For most of them, this was the first thing they did to become famous.

Will Ryan Seacrest Be On American Idol 2025?

Yes, Ryan Seacrest will host American Idol season 24 again. The September 10 announcement made longtime fans happy because they see Seacrest as an important part of the show’s identity. His voice has been there through every season, from the first audition to the last season finale. By returning, he keeps the class of the show alive.

Ryan’s Legacy In The Idol School

Since the start of the show, Ryan has been the voice guiding contestants through each stage. He has helped people like Noah Thompson, who won Season 20, go from trying out in school gyms to becoming famous nationwide.

• Continuity: He or she has been the host of the show since 2002.
• Experience: Makes a connection with both new fans and old ones.
• Class and professionalism: Keeps the mood of the singing contest.

Why His Return Matters To Fans

When the video announcement came out, fans were happy. Many people said it wouldn’t be the same without him, especially after many shows made big changes in the entertainment industry over the past year.

• Social media love: A lot of people said, “It wouldn’t be Idol without him.”
• Consistency: His return keeps the show grounded even as it changes a lot.
• School tour feel: He still leads the contestants from their first song to their last.

Final Thoughts

American Idol Season 24 is going to be the most exciting singing competition of the year.  Season 24 feels like a school for future stars because Ryan Seacrest is back and Carrie Underwood and others are judges.

From virtual auditions to judged auditions, aspiring singers across America are ready to sign up and sing their hearts out. Whether you catch the season finale or watch American Idol every Sunday night, you won’t forget about this class.

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