American Idol Shocks Fans With Season 24 Announcement: New Auditions, Returning Judges, and a Fresh Chance at Stardom in 2026!

The curtain may have just closed on an electrifying season of American Idol, but the excitement is far from over! With Jamal Roberts newly crowned as the season 23 champion after a nail-biting finale, the iconic singing competition is already gearing up for its next chapter—and fans everywhere are buzzing with anticipation.

American Idol's Second Half of the Top 24 Perform for America's First Vote of the Season

Season 24 Confirmed: Idol Returns in 2026!
In a jaw-dropping surprise ahead of the season 23 finale, American Idol took to Instagram to drop the bombshell: the show will officially return for its 24th season in 2026. The announcement—“Dim the lights… here we go. #AmericanIdol is coming back for another season!”—sent waves of excitement through the fanbase, with comments pouring in celebrating the show’s unstoppable run. Devoted viewers declared their hopes that Idol “never gets cancelled,” while others eagerly anticipated the next wave of superstar talent.

Your Shot at Stardom: Auditions Now Open

Ryan Seacrest's Net Worth Is Jaw-Dropping
Dreaming of following in Jamal Roberts’ footsteps? Now’s your chance! American Idol has opened up auditions for season 24, inviting aspiring singers across the country to take their shot at fame. In a heartfelt video, Jamal himself encouraged hopefuls to sign up at americanidol.com/auditions, reminding everyone that the next Idol could be anyone—maybe even you.

Who Will Judge the Next Idol?
Returning to the judges’ table are three music legends: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. Carrie, who famously won Idol’s fourth season in 2005, stepped into the judging role after Katy Perry’s departure and has brought her own brand of star power and wisdom to the panel. And, of course, the ever-charismatic Ryan Seacrest will be back as host, ready to guide both contestants and viewers through another unforgettable season.

How to Watch and Stream Season 24

Ryan Seacrest's Net Worth Is Jaw-Dropping
When American Idol returns in 2026, fans can catch all the action every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. No cable? No problem. The show will also be available to stream live on ABC’s website, or through popular services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling, and FuboTV. Prefer to watch on your own schedule? New episodes will drop on Hulu the next day, so you’ll never miss a moment of the music, drama, and dreams coming true.

A New Era Begins
As American Idol prepares for another season of show-stopping performances and life-changing moments, the search for the next superstar is officially underway. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a future contestant, one thing’s certain: the journey is just beginning, and the stage is set for another unforgettable year of Idol magic.