American Idol Season 24 is beginning sooner than any season in recent history.

The 2026 version of the singing competition show will follow a similar format with the same three judges as last year. However, the venue for one of the most important weeks will change.

Here's everything we know about American Idol Season 24 on ABC.

When Does American Idol Season 24 Start?

The new season will start significantly earlier than the last. Expect Season 24 of American Idol to premiere on Jan. 26, 2026, a Monday night.

This is the earliest start in a decade and—if the show ends mid-May as it always does— the longest American Idol season since it moved to ABC in 2018.

Is Carrie Underwood Returning To American Idol ?

Yes, Carrie Underwood is returning to American Idol for Seaso

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