The hunt for America’s next singing star is on as American Idol 2026 returns for season 24 – the ninth since moving to ABC in 2018. Superstar judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood are all returning to the panel.
As for what to expect from season 24, viewers will be greeted with some new upheavals. For the very first time, Idol takes social media voting beyond the usual SMS and phone voting. According to showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, the reason behind this decision is to expand and introduce the series to a younger audience. Aside from that, the series is also moving its annual Hollywood Week from Los Angeles to Nashville.
We will also get to see a new Ohana tour, which will be filmed at Aulani – a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. This will feature 30 contestants performing in front of popular “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). Judges will eliminate up to 10 competitors in this high-stakes round.
Finally, unlike recent seasons where the show traveled the country to hold auditions, these 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 Los Angeles. It’s a hub and a dream that people can go to.”
Read on to find out how to watch American idol season 24 online, on TV and from anywhere.
Here’s 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 looking to watch American idol season 24, you won’t be able to watch the show like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Fortunately, there is a simple solution.
Downloading a VPN lets you 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 as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch American idol season 24 from anywhere:
How to watch American Idol 2026 worldwide
How to watch American Idol S24 online in the US
American idol 2026 will air on ABC at 8 p.m. ET on Mondays, starting January 26. Hulu (30 day FREE trial) the day after.
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 wireless TV streaming services. Right now, you can get a one-month subscription to the Pro plan for $48.99, down from $73.99, on top of the FREE 7-day trial.
If you are far from the United States and you don’t want to miss this opportunity, you can always use a VPN to unblock Hulu and log in American idol season 24 just like 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 request on 7pluscompletely FREE. However, there has been no official word from the broadcaster on when and when the final episodes of Nashville will air, so you’ll likely have to wait a few months for season 24 in Australia.
An American or Canadian traveling to Australia? Use a VPN to Unblock Hulu or YouTube TV and look American idol season 24 just like you would at home.
Can I watch American Idol season 24 online in the UK?
We do not yet know when the new series of American idol is going to hit the UK, so for now you’ll have to make do with the American idol 2021 collection currently available for streaming on Netflix.
However, anyone from North America who is currently in the UK should remember that they can access their local TV coverage and watch American Idol live. 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 historic partnership between Roku and Fremantle. However, nothing similar has been announced for this year. We will keep you informed if this changes.
Are you visiting Canada? To try NordVPN to watch your usual streaming service from home in the United States.
What you need to know about season 24 of American Idol
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When will American Idol season 24 episodes air?
American Idol 2026 – season 24 – will premiere Monday, January 26 at 8 p.m. ET. Unlike previous seasons, which followed a weekly schedule on Sundays, this year’s episodes 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 – Round Ohana – 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
Other episodes will 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:Jordan 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 Poppé
American idol season 17: Hardy Wool
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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