You’ve probably been humming that iconic theme song in your head since last May, wondering if the show is ever going to come back. Well, it is. But honestly, things are looking a little different this time around. If you’re trying to figure out when does the new American Idol season start, you’ll want to mark your calendar for a specific Monday in late January.
Usually, we’re used to American Idol being a Sunday night staple. We gather around the TV after dinner, judge the contestants' outfits, and disagree with Lionel Richie’s critiques while preparing for the work week. But for 2026, ABC decided to throw us a bit of a curveball by shifting the premiere to a Monday night.
When Does the New American Idol Season Start in 2026?
The official premiere date for American Idol Season 24 is Monday, January 26, 2026.
It’s an earlier start than we’ve seen in some previous years. For example, back in Season 23, we had to wait until March. This time, the producers are getting the ball rolling right in the heart of winter. The show will air at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. If you’re a cord-cutter or you just prefer to watch without commercials, it’ll be streaming on Hulu the very next morning.
Why the Monday Night Move?
Moving to Mondays is kind of a big deal for a show that has lived on Sundays for so long. ABC’s midseason schedule is packed this year. They’re launching a Scrubs reboot in February and keeping the drama blocks tight with 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy. By sliding Idol into the Monday slot, they’re basically trying to capture that "post-weekend" audience that needs a pick-me-up.
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It also avoids some of the heavy competition from major Sunday night events that usually eat into the ratings during the late winter months.
Who Is Sitting at the Judges' Table?
The big news—which most fans are actually pretty relieved about—is that the chemistry from last year is staying intact. Carrie Underwood is officially back for her second season as a judge.
There was a lot of chatter online about whether she’d actually stick around. Being a global country superstar means a hectic schedule, and some people thought she might just be a one-year "legacy" fill-in for Katy Perry. But Carrie seems to have found her groove. She joins the veterans:
- Lionel Richie: The "uncle" of the group who always finds the silver lining.
- Luke Bryan: Still providing the jokes and the occasional country-fried wisdom.
- Ryan Seacrest: Naturally, because it wouldn't be Idol without him. He’s entering his 24th year as the host. That's almost a quarter-century of "This... is American Idol."
The Nashville Twist: Hollywood Week Changes
One of the most surprising updates for the 2026 season involves Hollywood Week. Or, more accurately, the lack of "Hollywood."
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For the first time in the show's history, they are moving that entire grueling middle segment to Nashville, Tennessee. They’re calling it "Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover." They filmed at Belmont University back in November 2025, and the word on the street is that the cuts are going to be more brutal than ever.
In previous seasons, we’ve seen rounds like "Genre Challenge" or "Duets" spread out over several nights. This year, they are hinting at a "one round only" format for the Music City Takeover. Basically, you sing, you either blow them away, or you go home immediately. No safety nets.
What Happened to Last Year’s Winner?
If you missed the Season 23 finale, Jamal Roberts took home the title. He managed to beat out favorites like Breanna Nix and John Foster. Seeing Jamal’s success has definitely sparked a new wave of auditions.
The "Idol Across America" virtual auditions were packed this past fall. From August through October 2025, singers from all 50 states logged onto Zoom calls to sing for producers. This virtual setup has changed the game because it allows kids from tiny towns who can't afford a flight to Los Angeles or Nashville to actually get a shot.
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How to Prepare for the Premiere
If you’re planning a watch party or just want to stay ahead of the spoilers, here is the lowdown on how the season will likely unfold:
- Audition Rounds: These usually run through February. Expect plenty of "no" votes and a few "platinum tickets" that let singers skip the first round of the Nashville takeover.
- Music City Takeover (Nashville): This will likely air in early March. This is where the herd is thinned out significantly.
- The Showcase/Top 24: This usually takes place at a resort (often in Hawaii) before moving into the live voting rounds.
- Live Shows: Expect the live voting to start in mid-to-late April, leading up to a finale in May.
Honestly, the show has stayed relevant because it keeps tweaking the formula. Bringing Carrie Underwood back was a smart move; she brings a technical "singer's perspective" that was sometimes missing in the earlier ABC years. She knows exactly what it feels like to stand on that stage with everything on the line because she actually did it—and won.
If you’re wondering when does the new American Idol season start so you can plan your Monday nights, January 26 is the date. Set a reminder on your phone. Whether you’re in it for the "bad" auditions or you’re looking for the next superstar, the 2026 season is shaping up to be a pretty fast-paced ride.
To get ready for the premiere, make sure your Hulu subscription is active if you're not watching live, and maybe re-watch Jamal Roberts’ winning performance from last year to remind yourself of the level of talent the judges are looking for this time around.