ABC’s long-running singing competition American Idol is set to resume its search for the next breakout star, with Season 24 slated to premiere on Monday, January 26, 2026. The announcement, shared via the show’s official Instagram account, features returning judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie unveiling a fresh format change that relocates the pivotal Hollywood Week to Nashville, Tennessee—often dubbed Music City. This shift from the traditional Los Angeles backdrop aims to infuse the high-stakes selection process with the energy of country music’s epicenter, potentially amplifying the show’s appeal to genre enthusiasts while broadening its narrative scope. The reveal, framed under the playful banner of “Idol University,” positions the season as a metaphorical return to class, complete with a bulletin-board-style graphic promoting auditions and the premiere date.

Hollywood Week has long served as a cornerstone of American Idol’s structure, a grueling multi-day gauntlet where semifinalists perform under pressure, receive critiques, and face eliminations in a condensed timeframe. Historically held in Hollywood, the segment has produced iconic moments, from emotional breakdowns to triumphant comebacks, as contestants vie for spots in the live shows. Relocating it to Nashville introduces a deliberate nod to the city’s storied venues like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, environments rich with musical heritage that could inspire performances infused with authenticity and grit. Producers have teased that this change will blend the intensity of past iterations with Nashville’s collaborative spirit, potentially incorporating guest mentors from the country scene and leveraging the city’s diverse talent pool for impromptu collaborations. “It’s about giving these dreamers a stage that echoes the heart of American music,” showrunner Megan Wolflick shared in a recent interview, hinting at how the move aligns with the judges’ own roots in the industry.

The continuity of the judging panel underscores a sense of stability following last season’s transitions. Underwood, the Season 4 winner who joined as a judge for Season 23 after Katy Perry’s departure, brings a unique perspective as both alumna and eight-time Grammy winner. Her tenure has been praised for injecting constructive feedback and a “nostalgia factor,” drawing on her journey from small-town Oklahoma to global stardom. Bryan, a Georgia native with multiple No. 1 country hits, and Richie, the Motown legend behind classics like “All Night Long,” round out the trio, having anchored the panel since the show’s ABC revival in 2018. Their chemistry—marked by humor, encouragement, and pointed insights—has helped maintain viewership, even as the series navigates a crowded field of talent competitions like The Voice and The Masked Singer. Ryan Seacrest is expected to return as host, guiding contestants through the emotional highs and lows with his signature charisma.

This marks American Idol’s ninth season on ABC and 24th overall since its 2002 debut on Fox, a run that has launched careers including Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Adam Lambert. The franchise’s enduring success stems from its formula of nationwide auditions, viewer voting, and transformative narratives, evolving from a cultural phenomenon in its early years to a more polished production emphasizing diversity and genre versatility today. Season 23, which concluded in May 2025 with Jamal Roberts as champion, averaged around 5 million viewers per episode, a slight dip from prior highs but still competitive in the unscripted space. The Nashville twist for Hollywood Week arrives amid broader efforts to refresh the format, including expanded “Idol Across America” virtual auditions that kicked off in late October, allowing aspiring singers from all 50 states to submit tapes without travel.

Underwood’s evolution from contestant to judge represents a full-circle milestone for the series. Discovered at 21 during Season 4 auditions in St. Louis, she captivated audiences with her powerhouse vocals on tracks like “Sunday Kind of Love,” ultimately claiming the title and launching a career with over 85 million records sold worldwide. Hits such as “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel” earned her accolades across country, pop, and gospel, including a 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as a musical influencer. Stepping into Perry’s role—a spot once held by icons like Paula Abdul and Mariah Carey—Underwood faced initial scrutiny but quickly established her voice, offering balanced critiques that emphasized technique alongside emotional delivery. “Being on this side lets me pay it forward in ways I couldn’t as a contestant,” she reflected post-finale, highlighting her mentorship of finalists like Roberts, whose win she had predicted early on.

Bryan, 49, contributes a rural authenticity honed through his own rise from Leesburg, Georgia, farms to arena tours, with 17 No. 1 singles and a judgeship that’s become as much performance as evaluation. His rapport with Underwood, both fellow country artists, has sparked speculation of a genre lean this season, though Richie’s soulful input ensures a multifaceted lens. Richie, 76, the elder statesman with three Grammys and an EGOT pursuit, provides timeless wisdom, often drawing parallels to his Commodores days and solo breakthroughs. Their collective experience—spanning decades and sales exceeding 200 million units—positions Season 24 to unearth talent capable of crossing charts.

Fan reactions, buzzing across social media since the October 29 reveal, blend excitement with anticipation for the format shift. Posts on X highlight the “Idol University” theme as a clever hook, with users sharing audition tips and speculating on Nashville’s influence: “Trading LA glamour for Music Row magic? This could birth the next big country crossover.” Early buzz also credits the judges’ continuity for sustaining loyalty, though some voices call for fresh faces to inject unpredictability. Auditions, open to those 15-28 as of August 13, 2025, emphasize originality, with virtual submissions due by December 31 via the official site.

From a production standpoint, the Nashville relocation streamlines logistics while capitalizing on local partnerships, potentially reducing costs associated with West Coast shoots and tapping into Tennessee’s $16 billion music industry ecosystem. This aligns with ABC’s strategy under Disney Entertainment to integrate regional flavors, as seen in past episodes filmed at Dollywood and other landmarks. The move could also boost tourism, with Nashville’s convention bureau already promoting tie-in events for prospective viewers.

As American Idol enters its third decade on air, Season 24 embodies resilience in a fragmented media landscape. Streaming on Hulu post-broadcast expands reach to cord-cutters, while live voting via app keeps engagement interactive. Past winners like Clarkson (now a daytime host) and Hudson (Oscar winner) illustrate the show’s pipeline to longevity, a track record that fuels its renewal despite ratings fluctuations. Wolflick, who has helmed the ABC era, views the Hollywood Week pivot as evolutionary: “It’s about meeting contestants where their inspirations live, fostering growth in an environment that celebrates every note.”

For Underwood, Bryan, and Richie, the return signals commitment to a platform that mirrors their breakthroughs. Underwood’s dual role as judge and icon adds layers to critiques, reminding aspirants that vulnerability and polish coexist in success. Bryan jokes about the “family reunion” vibe, while Richie emphasizes unity: “Music bridges worlds—Nashville’s just the next chapter.”

With auditions underway and the premiere looming, Season 24 promises a blend of tradition and innovation. The Nashville infusion may unearth hidden gems from heartland hometowns, echoing the show’s ethos of democratizing fame. As gates open for “Idol University,” one certainty remains: In a world of filtered facades, American Idol’s unvarnished pursuit of passion continues to resonate, one audition at a time.