American Idol’s next season is set to start on Monday, January 26, 2026 , on ABC.

Quick Scoop

  • The new season (Season 24 overall, 9th on ABC) premieres January 26, 2026.
  • It will air in primetime at 8/7c on ABC.
  • This is earlier than most recent seasons, which typically started in February or early March.

What’s New This Time?

  • The show is shifting to a Monday-night premiere, instead of the Sunday launches fans were used to in past ABC seasons.
  • Season 24 keeps the familiar format but is billed as starting earlier and likely running a bit longer into spring 2026.

Why Fans Are Talking

  • Official American Idol social posts and entertainment outlets confirmed the January 26, 2026 date, which sparked a lot of excitement because it shortens the wait between seasons.
  • With the earlier start and a full spring run expected, viewers can anticipate a packed schedule of auditions, Hollywood Week, and live shows stretching into mid-May 2026.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.