The hunt for the next breakout singing star in the United States is underway as 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 all back on the panel.
As for what to expect from season 24, viewers will be greeted with some fresh shake-ups. For the first time ever, Idol is bringing voting to social media beyond its usual text and phone voting. According to showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, the rationale behind this move is to expand and take the show to a younger audience. Other than that, the show is also moving its annual Hollywood Week from Los Angeles to Nashville.
We’ll also get to see a new Ohana round, 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-editor-in-chief). The judges will eliminate as many as 10 contestants in this high-stakes round.
Finally, unlike last 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 about season 24’s pivot to Nashville, Wolflick said, “The music industry in Nashville is just as strong as it is in LA, too. It is a hub and a dream for people to go to.”
Read on to learn how to watch American Idol season 24 online, on TV and from anywhere.
Here’s how you can stream American Idol 2026 online, no matter where you are in the world.
How to watch American Idol 2026 from abroad
For those away from home looking to watch American Idol season 24, you’ll be unable to watch the show like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.
Downloading a VPN allows you to stream online, no matter where you are. It’s a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that 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 USA
American Idol 2026 will air on ABC at 8pm ET on Mondays, beginning January 26. Episodes will drop on Hulu (30-day FREE trial) the next day.
If you haven’t got 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 for the Pro plan for $48.99, down from $73.99, on top of the 7-day FREE trial.
If you’re away from the USA and don’t want to miss out, you can always use a VPN to unblock Hulu and tune into American Idol season 24 as 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 on 7plus, completely FREE. However, there’s been no official word from the broadcaster on when and if it’ll stream the latest episodes from Nashville so you’ll likely have to wait a few months for the season 24 in Australia.
American or Canadian traveling in Australia? Use a VPN to unblock Hulu or YouTube TV and watch American Idol season 24 as you would at home.
Can I watch American Idol season 24 online in the UK?
There’s no word yet on when the new series of American Idol will hit the UK, so for now, you’ll have to make do with the American Idol 2021 collection that’s currently available to stream on Netflix.
However, anyone from North America who’s in the UK right now should remember they can tap into 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’ll update you if that changes.
Visiting Canada? Try NordVPN to watch your usual streaming service from back home in the US.
What you need to know about American Idol season 24
When will American Idol season 24 episodes air?
American Idol 2026 – season 24 – will premiere on Monday, January 26 at 8pm 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
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: Iam Tongi
American Idol season 22: Abi Carter
American Idol season 23: Jamal Roberts
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