Auditions for Season 24 of American Idol started in August. The search for the country’s hottest singer continued through September and October in various states. Jamal Roberts from Meridian, Missouri, won Season 23. The show underwent a huge overhaul between seasons. Keep reading to find out what new surprises to expect in the upcoming season.
American Idol Season 24 Judges Confirmed
It was huge news when Carrie Underwood joined Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on the judging panel for Season 23. American Idol is where the megastar got her start. She was a contestant on the popular singing competition in 2005. She was crowned the Season 4 winner in the May 2005 season finale.
Carrie Underwood is in high demand due to her success. She has a standing gig performing the Sunday Night Football theme song for NBC. Her latest Las Vegas Residency wrapped up in April after three years.
But her addition to the American Idol judging panel divided viewers. Some thought she was too nice to the contestants. The “Before He Cheats” singer came under fire for her treatment of Jamal Roberts.
Love her or hate her, Carrie Underwood is back as a judge for Season 24. Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan also return. Ryan Seacrest is back as the host, but fans are concerned he’s spread too thin after his gaunt appearance.
Fans Can Expect Major Overhaul
The judges’ table is not undergoing a huge change, but one popular part of the show is. Hollywood Week on American Idol has been known as the “make it or break it” week. Contestants are thrown into the fire with their first performances on a real stage. The judges don’t hold back when it comes to giving feedback.
Last season, Hollywood Week returned to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. It’s a special place for Carrie Underwood. She performed there for the first time ever during Season 4 of American Idol.
But Hollywood isn’t in Hollywood for Season 24. The U.S. Sun revealed a shocking change of location. Hollywood Week moves to Nashville, Tennessee, for the upcoming season. The grueling week in the competition will reportedly film at Belmont University.
“Hollywood Week is going to look a lot less Hollywood,” the insider told The Sun. The source added, “It’s an unprecedented move, but execs think it will pay off and be a fun change to a storied tradition.”
American Idol judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan have close ties to Nashville. Both country stars have homes in Nashville, as well as close connections to the music industry there. ‘Hollywood Week in Music City’ will reportedly completely overhaul the new season.
An exact premiere date for Season 24 hasn’t been revealed yet. It’s expected to return to ABC in early 2026, possibly in February or March. The last season premiered in early March.
Let us know your thoughts about the huge change of moving Hollywood Week to Nashville in the comments.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
