‘American Idol’ season 24 kicks off quickly

The anticipate American Idol Season 24 is nearly over, and it is coming before we have seen in current historical past. The 2026 season will observe a well-recognized format, with the identical three judges returning – Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. Nevertheless, there is a notable change within the venue for probably the most vital weeks. This is what we all know up to now concerning the upcoming season.

The brand new season is about to premiere on January 26, 2026, a Monday evening, making it the earliest begin in a decade. If the present sticks to its common schedule and ends in mid-Could, this would be the longest American Idol season because it moved to ABC in 2018.

As for the judges, Carrie Underwood is certainly returning for Season 24, together with Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest. This marks 9 seasons for Bryan and Richie, who had been initially paired with Katy Perry, and two seasons for Underwood. Ryan Seacrest has been a continuing presence on the present, having been with it for all 24 seasons, beginning with Season 1 alongside Kelly Clarkson in 2002.

By way of adjustments, the method is wanting just like earlier years, however with one important tweak – the elimination of Hollywood Week, or at the very least, a model of it. Contestants who obtain a Golden Ticket will now head to Nashville for Hollywood Week: Music Metropolis Takeover. It isn’t clear when this episode will movie, but it surely’s simple to see the logic behind it, on condition that each Underwood and Bryan name Nashville dwelling, and Seacrest and Richie even have connections to town. As Underwood as soon as mentioned, “American Idol Judging Is Sincere, Not ‘Harsh’,” and will probably be attention-grabbing to see how this new format performs out.

Nation music followers could also be desperate to see if this season will deliver one other nation winner, because the style has been experiencing a little bit of a drought on the present. The final nation singer to win was Noah Thompson in 2022 (Season 20). Nevertheless, nation stars have had a powerful presence on the present previously, with winners like Underwood (Season 4), Scotty McCreery (Season 10), and Trent Harmon (Season 15).

Since profitable Season 4 of American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood has been extremely busy. She’s launched 9 albums, launched into seven excursions, tried her hand at appearing, and launched a number of companies. With a staggering internet value of over $100 million and numerous awards underneath her belt, she’s turn into one of many greatest success tales to return out of the present.

It is also value noting that American Idol has had its share of tragedies through the years, with a number of former contestants passing away. An inventory of 13 American Idol stars who’ve died contains eight Prime 12 finalists, a runner-up, a third-place finisher, and several other extra artists who had been cherished by followers.