The hunt for the next breakout singing star in the US is on as American Idol 2026 returns for Season 24 – its ninth since switching to ABC in 2018. Superstar judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood are all back on the panel.
As for what to expect from Season 24, viewers will be greeted with some fresh shakes. For the first time ever, Idol brings voting to social media beyond its usual text and phone voting. According to showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, the reasoning behind this move is to expand and bring the show to a younger audience. Aside from that, the show is also moving its annual Hollywood Week from Los Angeles to Nashville.
We’ll also get to see a new round of Ohana, which will be filmed at Aulani – a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. This 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 Announcer) and Shirley Halperin (Rolling Stone co-head). The judges will eliminate as many as 10 contestants in this high-stakes round.
Finally, unlike past seasons where the show traveled the country to hold auditions, they all took place in Nashville for the 2026 season. Of course, virtual submissions were allowed, but those selected had to travel to Nashville for the final in-person test. Speaking of Season 24’s pivot to Nashville, Wolflick said, “The music industry in Nashville is just as strong as it is in LA. It’s a hub and a dream for people to go to.”
Read on to learn how to see American Idol season 24 online, on TV and anywhere.
How to stream American Idol 2026 online, wherever you are in the world.
How to watch American Idol 2026 from abroad
For those away from home who want to see American Idol season 24, you won’t be able to watch the show like you normally would due to pesky regional restrictions. Fortunately, there is an easy solution.
Downloading a VPN allows you to stream online no matter where you are. It’s a simple piece of software that changes your IP address, meaning you can access on-demand content or live TV just 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 is broadcast on ABC at 8:00 PM ET on Mondays, beginning January 26th. Episode it is broadcast. Hulu (30-Day FREE Trial) next day.
If you don’t have cable, ABC can also be streamed live via Fubo, YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV.
Fubo is one of the most comprehensive cord-cutting TV streaming services. Right now you can get a one-month subscription to the Pro plan for $48.99, down from $73.99 above 7-day FREE trial.
If you’re away from the US and don’t want to miss a thing, you always can use a VPN to unblock Hulu and tune in American Idol season 24 as you would at home.
Where to watch American Idol 2026 online in Australia
In Australia, the previous eight seasons have of American Idol are available on-demand on 7 plusabsolutely FREE. However, there’s been no official word from the broadcaster about when or if it will stream the latest episodes of Nashville, so you’ll likely have to wait a few months for season 24 in Australia.
American or Canadian traveling in Australia? Use a VPN to unblock Hulu or YouTube TV and look American Idol season 24 as you would at home.
Can I watch American Idol season 24 online in the UK?
There is no word yet on when the new series of American Idol will be hitting the UK, so for now you’ll have to make do American Idol 2021 collection currently available for streaming on Netflix.
But anyone from North America who is in the UK right now should remember that they can take advantage of their local TV coverage and watch American Idol live by using a VPN.
How to watch American Idol Season 24 online in Canada
The last season of American Idol was available to stream for free on The Roku Channel in Canada, thanks to a landmark partnership between Roku and Fremantle. However, nothing similar has been announced for this year. We will update you if that changes.
Visiting Canada? Sample NordVPN to watch your usual streaming service from home in the US.
What you need to know about American Idol Season 24
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When are American Idol Season 24 episodes airing?
American Idol 2026 – season 24 – premieres on Monday 26 January at 8 p.m. ET. Unlike previous seasons, which followed a Sunday weekly schedule, episodes this year will air on Mondays and stream the next day on Hulu.
American idol season 24 episode guide
Section 1 – Auditions, part 1 – January 26
Section 2 – Auditions, part 2 – February 2
Section 3 – Auditions, part 3 – February 9
Section 4 – Auditions, part 4 – February 16
Section 5 – Hollywood Week in Music City, Part 1 – February 23
Section 6 – Hollywood Week in Music City, Part 2 – March 2nd
Section 7 – Ohana Round – March 9th
Section 8 – Top 20 at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Part 1 – March 16
Section 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: Chris Allen
American Idol season 9: Lee DeWyze
American Idol season 10: Scotty McCreery
American Idol season 11: Philip 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 am Tongi
American Idol season 22: Abi Carter
American Idol season 23: Jamal Roberts
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