What Time Is ‘American Idol’ Season 24 On Tonight? New Release Schedule And Major Changes

It’s already time for American Idol. Yes, the show is returning in January, despite previous seasons typically premiering in February or March. That’s not the only change this season — there’s also a new release schedule, competition round, voting method and Hollywood Week isn’t taking place in Los Angeles.

Season 24 officially kicks off Monday, Jan. 26, following Jamal Roberts’s win last spring. Ryan Seacrest, who’s hosted the show for more than two decades, returns alongside judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Former winner Underwood joined the panel last season after Katy Perry left to focus on her music career.

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During the pre-taped auditions, hopefuls from across the country will showcase their vocal skills for the judges. The auditions kicked off Tuesday, Aug. 26, and took place in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., throughout August and September. However, once the live shows begin, the public will be able to vote for their favorite singers.

For the first time, viewers will also be able to vote via social media, in addition to traditional methods such as texting and voting through the American Idol app. The exact details are still being ironed out by ABC.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to vote for their favorites, weigh in from their couch with their second screen, in real time,” showrunner Megan Michaels Wolfick recently told Deadline. “If we can get Gen Alpha and Gen Z to weigh in a little bit more in the easiest way possible, that’s very exciting. It could tip the scale. Trends are always different.”

Here’s everything to know about American Idol Season 24, including the start time, new air day, changes to Hollywood Week and details about the inaugural “Ohana” round.

What Time Is The American Idol Season 24 Premiere Tonight?

American Idol Season 24 premieres Monday, Jan. 26, at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on ABC, moving from its usual Sunday slot.

What Is The New American Idol Season 24 Release Schedule?

Now airing on Mondays, American Idol returns with a two-hour premiere on Jan. 26. The first few episodes will feature auditions, after which the lucky contestants who receive a golden ticket will advance to Hollywood Week, which will be held in Nashville, not Los Angeles.

Now called “Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover,” the round will include just one phase of competition rather than multiple rounds. ABC has teased that this year’s Hollywood Week will span three episodes and feature “the biggest Hollywood Week cut in Idol history.”

What Is Ohana Round In American Idol Season 24?

American Idol is also shaking things up with a new round of competition called the “Ohana Round,” which will take place during the third and final episode of Hollywood Week.

The Ohana Round will see the Top 30 contestants perform for a panel of “industry tastemakers,” including social media stars Kaniyia Brown and Terry McCaskill, former Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber, music creator Anthony Gargiula, singer Loren Gray, Rolling Stone co–editor in chief Shirley Halperin, podcast host Evan Ross Katz and more.

“By the end of the Ohana Round, only 20 contestants will advance in the competition,” ABC teased in a press release.

How To Watch American Idol Season 24

American Idol Season 24 airs Monday nights on ABC, with new episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day (Tuesdays).

For fans without cable, the singing competition can be watched via live TV streaming services that carry ABC, including DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV and Fubo, all of which offer free trials.

If you prefer to stream episodes on Hulu the next day, plans start at $11.99 per month with ads and $18.99 per month ad-free. The platform is currently offering free trials for the Hulu (With Ads) plan and the Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN Select plan.

Note: Free trials are only available to new and eligible returning subscribers who have not subscribed to the site within the past year.

Check out a teaser for the new season, below.