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5 Shocking Changes & The New Judge: When Does American Idol Season 24 Start In 2026?

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The question on every fan's mind—"When does American Idol start?"—finally has a definitive, and surprising, answer. As of today, December 19, 2025, ABC has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Season 24 of American Idol will premiere on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8/7c. This is a significant shift, not just because of the date, but because the show is moving to a new night and welcoming a major new face to the judging panel, making it one of the most talked-about seasons in years. The earlier start date is the earliest for the show in over a decade, signaling a proactive move by the network to capture a prime early-year audience.

The upcoming season, which follows the successful run of Season 23 that concluded in May 2025, is set to deliver on its promise of "big format changes" and a fresh dynamic at the judges' table. With the departure of a beloved pop superstar, the network has brought in an Idol legend to fill the seat, ensuring the show maintains its blend of star power and talent discovery. Fans can expect an exciting start to 2026 with an all-new look and feel for the iconic singing competition.

The Complete American Idol Season 24 Cast and Premiere Details

The 24th season of American Idol is bringing back familiar faces alongside a monumental addition to the judging panel. This lineup is guaranteed to deliver the blend of mentorship, humor, and tough-love critiques that viewers have come to expect. The confirmed cast and key details are:

  • Premiere Date: Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8/7c.
  • Network: ABC.
  • Host: Ryan Seacrest (returning for his 24th season).
  • Judge: Luke Bryan (returning).
  • Judge: Lionel Richie (returning).
  • New Judge: Carrie Underwood (replacing Katy Perry).
  • Notable Change: The show moves from its traditional Sunday night slot to Monday nights.

The return of Ryan Seacrest, who has hosted every season since the show's debut, provides a stable anchor for the series, while the combination of country star Luke Bryan and music icon Lionel Richie ensures a broad spectrum of industry expertise. The biggest news, however, is the new addition to the panel, a move that has sent shockwaves of excitement through the fan community.

The New Era: Carrie Underwood Replaces Katy Perry

The biggest story heading into Season 24 is the confirmation of the new judge, who is none other than original American Idol winner, country music superstar Carrie Underwood. This announcement officially fills the massive void left by Katy Perry, who stepped down after Season 23 to focus on new music and touring.

Underwood’s addition is a strategic masterstroke by the producers. As the winner of Season 4, she brings an unparalleled perspective to the table: she has not only been in the contestants' shoes but has gone on to become one of the most successful artists in music history, with multiple Grammy Awards and countless chart-topping hits. Her presence immediately elevates the credibility of the panel and offers contestants a judge who truly understands the pressures and potential of the Idol journey.

The dynamic between Underwood, Bryan, and Richie is expected to be fresh and engaging. Where Perry often provided a more pop-culture-focused, theatrical critique, Underwood is anticipated to offer a grounded, experience-based mentorship, particularly valuable to aspiring country and crossover artists. Her addition also solidifies the show's strong ties to the country music genre, which has produced many of its most successful alumni.

Major Format and Scheduling Overhauls for Season 24

Beyond the change in judges, the 24th season of American Idol is introducing several significant production and scheduling changes that will alter the viewing experience and the competition's structure. Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick has publicly teased "big format changes," suggesting the show is not resting on its laurels.

1. The Earliest Premiere Date in a Decade

The move to a January 26, 2026 premiere date is the earliest start for an American Idol season in over 10 years. Previous seasons, including Season 23 (which premiered in March 2025 with a post-Oscars preview), typically began later in the spring. This earlier scheduling allows the show to avoid the highly competitive late spring TV landscape and potentially conclude the season sooner, possibly in early May, as opposed to late May.

2. The Monday Night Time Slot Change

In a major scheduling shift, American Idol is moving from its long-held Sunday night slot to Monday nights at 8/7c on ABC. This change is a significant gamble but could be an attempt to establish a new, less crowded night for the show's core audience. It may also allow for a more consistent weekly schedule without the interruptions of major Sunday night events.

3. Hollywood Week is "Overhauled"

Producers have hinted at a complete "overhaul" of Hollywood Week, the notoriously grueling phase of the competition where contestants are whittled down before the live shows. While specific details are scarce, this could mean new performance challenges, different mentorship structures, or changes to the group round—a segment often criticized by contestants. The goal is likely to increase the drama and intensity of this crucial stage, testing the hopefuls in new and unexpected ways.

4. Continued and Expanded Virtual Auditions

The COVID-19 pandemic forced American Idol to innovate with "Idol Across America" virtual auditions, a process that proved highly successful. Showrunner Wolflick confirmed that virtual auditions will continue to be a core part of the casting process for Season 24. This method allows the show to discover talent from remote areas and provides an easier entry point for thousands of aspiring singers, ensuring a geographically and stylistically diverse pool of contestants.

What to Expect from the New Season

With an earlier start, a new night, and a legendary new judge, American Idol Season 24 is poised to be one of the most exciting installments in the show's history. Fans can look forward to:

  • Fresh Chemistry: The dynamic between Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and the newly added Carrie Underwood will be a central point of interest. Her direct, winner-to-contestant advice will be invaluable.
  • Higher Stakes: The format changes, particularly the overhauled Hollywood Week, suggest a more demanding and rigorous competition structure designed to truly separate the stars from the hopefuls.
  • Diverse Talent: The continued reliance on virtual auditions ensures the contestant pool will be massive and varied, promising a wide range of musical genres and personal stories.

Mark your calendars for Monday, January 26, 2026. The search for the next American Idol is about to begin, and based on the massive changes announced, it will be a journey unlike any other.

5 Shocking Changes & The New Judge: When Does American Idol Season 24 Start in 2026?
when does american idol 2025 start
when does american idol 2025 start

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