The search for America’s next rising singing star is on. american idol 2026 returns for season 24, its ninth since moving to ABC in 2018. Superstar judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood are back on the panel.
As for what to expect from season 24, viewers will be greeted with some new changes. For the first time, Idol is taking voting to social media beyond the usual text and phone voting. According to showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, the reason behind this move is to expand and bring the show to a younger audience. Aside from that, the show will also be moving its annual Hollywood Week from Los Angeles to Nashville.
We’ll also see a new round of Ohana, which will be filmed at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. It will feature 30 contestants who will perform in front of popular “industry tastemakers” such as Kaniyia Brown (influencer), Cheryl Porter (vocal coach), Evan Ross Katz (podcast host), Anthony Gargiula (music creator), Kelly Sutton (Grand Ole Opry host) and Shirley Halperin (rolling stone co-editor-in-chief). The judges will eliminate up to 10 contestants in this high-stakes round.
Finally, unlike past seasons where the show traveled across the country for auditions, they were all held in Nashville for the 2026 season. Of course, virtual performances were allowed, but those selected had to travel to Nashville for the final in-person tryout. Speaking about season 24’s turn to Nashville, Wolflick said, “The music industry in Nashville is also as strong as it is in Los Angeles. It’s a hub and a dream that people can go to.”
Read on to learn how to watch american idol Season 24 online, on TV and from anywhere.
This is how you can transmit american idol 2026 online, no matter where in the world you are.
How to watch American Idol 2026 from abroad
For those who are far from home and want to see american idol season 24, you won’t be able to watch the show as you normally would due to pesky regional restrictions. Luckily, there is an easy solution.
Downloading a VPN lets you stream online, no matter where you are. It’s simple software that changes your IP address, meaning you can access on-demand content or live TV as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch american idol season 24 from anywhere:
How to watch American Idol 2026 around the world
How to Watch American Idol S24 Online in the US
american idol 2026 will air on ABC at 8 pm ET on Mondays, starting January 26. The episodes will be released on Hulu (FREE 30-day trial) the next day.
If you don’t have cable, ABC can also be streamed live on Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV.
Fubo is one of the most comprehensive cable-free TV streaming services. Right now you can get a one-month subscription to the Pro plan for $48.99, down from $73.99, plus the FREE 7-day trial.
If you’re outside the US and don’t want to miss it, you can always use a VPN to unblock Hulu and tune in american idol season 24 like you would at home.
Where to watch American Idol 2026 online in Australia
In Australia, the previous eight seasons of american idol are available on demand at 7pluscompletely FREE. However, there has been no official word from the broadcaster on when and if it will air the final episodes of Nashville, so you will probably have to wait a few months for season 24 in Australia.
American or Canadian traveling to Australia? Use a VPN to unblock Hulu or YouTube TV and look american idol season 24 like you would at home.
Can I watch American Idol season 24 online in the UK?
It is not yet known when the new series of american idol is coming to the UK, so for now you’ll have to make do with the american idol Collection 2021 which is currently available to stream on Netflix.
However, anyone from North America who is in the UK at the moment should remember that they can access their local TV coverage and watch American Idol live on using a VPN.
How to Watch American Idol Season 24 Online in Canada
The last season of american idol became available to stream for free on The Roku Channel in Canada, thanks to a historic partnership between Roku and Fremantle. However, nothing similar has been announced for this year. We will let you know if that changes.
Are you visiting Canada? Attempt NordVPN to watch your regular streaming service from your home in the US.
What you need to know about American Idol season 24
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When will American Idol season 24 episodes air?
American Idol 2026 – season 24: will premiere on Monday, January 26 at 8 pm ET. Unlike previous seasons, which followed a weekly schedule on Sundays, this year’s episodes will air on Mondays and stream the next day on Hulu.
American Idol Season 24 Episode Guide
Episode 1 – Auditions, Part 1 – January 26
Episode 2 – Auditions, Part 2 – February 2
Episode 3 – Auditions, Part 3 – February 9
Episode 4 – Auditions, Part 4 – February 16
Episode 5 – Hollywood Week in Music City, Part 1 – February 23
Episode 6 – Hollywood Week in Music City, Part 2 – March 2
Episode 7 – Ohana Round – March 9
Episode 8 – Top 20 at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Part 1 – March 16
Episode 9 – Top 20 at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Part 2 – March 23
More episodes to be announced…
American Idol winners
american idol season 1:Kelly Clarkson
american idol season 2: Ruben Studdard
american idol season 3: Fantasia Barrino
american idol season 4:Carrie Underwood
american idol season 5: Taylor Hicks
american idol season 6: Jordin Sparks
american idol season 7: David Cook
american idol season 8: Kris Allen
american idol season 9: Lee DeWyze
american idol season 10: Scotty McCreery
american idol season 11: Phillip Phillips
american idol season 12: Candice Glover
american idol season 13: Caleb Johnson
american idol season 14: Nick Fradiani
american idol season 15: Trent Harmon
american idol season 16: Maddie Poppe
american idol season 17:Laine Hardy
american idol season 18: Just Sam
american idol season 19: Chayce Beckham
american idol season 20: Noah Thompson
american idol season 21: I’m Tongi
american idol season 22:Abi Carter
american idol season 23: Jamal Roberts
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