‘American Idol’ Season 24 Premieres Soon With Carrie Underwood Judging—Get All the Details
The beloved singing show returns with a former champion in the judge's seat—here's what to expect
American Idol is officially coming back for a 24th season—and it’s all but guaranteed to be the best one yet. That’s right, the beloved singing competition show is back and better than ever. To learn more about the massive shift coming to American Idol in 2026, and find out when you can expect to watch it on ABC and Hulu, keep reading.
What we know so far about ‘American Idol’ 2026
As per usual, American Idol Season 24 will follow singers from across the world as they compete against each other to try and win a $250,000 cash prize, a record deal with Hollywood Records and a Disney Cruise Line vacation.
They will be judged by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, the former of which actually won the show back in 2005.
“I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help and kind of offer a different viewpoint,” Underwood said on Good Morning America back in August of 2024. “I feel like I’ll be very honest, but hopefully I can be very constructive and encouraging.”
As of publication, none of the Season 24 contests have been announced, but the show did share that they had completed the open audition rounds, which is always one of the first things to be aired.
“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 obtained by TV insider reads. “Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.”
Following the open audition, contestants will travel to a different city and perform in front of the actual judges, who will then determine if they move on or get sent home.
“It’s an even playing field but it comes down to popularity,” Richie told People magazine of the judging process back in May of 2025. “Right now, singing cover songs is great but when they have their own hit records, you start building their career. Right now, they’re falling in love with the artist.
Who won ‘American Idol’ last year?
Jamal Roberts, a 48-year-old elementary school gym teacher in Mississippi, won Season 23 of American Idol.
“From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol. This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream,” Roberts wrote on Instagram after he won. “Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work and heart, anything is possible. To my city, my family and everyone out there grinding for something greater, this is our victory.”
“Now, I get to make music with the best in the world and share my story. But this isn’t the end… It’s just the beginning. From the bottom of my heart…. THANK YOU! None of this happens without y’all,” he concluded.
Almost a year later, Roberts is still singing and expected to perform the national anthem at the College Football Playoff National Championship Monday, January 19.
‘American Idol’ Season 24 release date
American Idol Season 24 will air on ABC on Monday, January 26 at 8/7c. It will also be available to stream on Hulu the next day.
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