American Idol is back—and this year, the iconic singing competition is rewriting the rulebook before the season even begins.
Season 24 of American Idol premieres Monday, January 26, with familiar faces returning to guide the next generation of stars. Ryan Seacrest resumes hosting duties, while judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan are all back at the table for another nationwide talent search.
But it’s what’s new that has fans buzzing.
Introducing the ‘Ohana Round’
For the first time ever, American Idol is adding a brand-new phase of competition called the ‘Ohana Round’, filmed in Hawai‘i. “Ohana,” meaning extended family in Hawaiian, perfectly captures the spirit of this emotional and high-stakes twist.
Set at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, the ‘Ohana Round will unfold across a three-episode arc, following the show’s legendary Hollywood Week. One of those episodes will be dedicated entirely to this new round, offering contestants a unique and deeply personal moment before facing America’s vote.
A Performance With Real-World Impact
During the ‘Ohana Round, the Top 30 contestants will perform in front of an impressive group of industry tastemakers and cultural influencers, whose collective reach spans nearly 149 million followers. The panel includes:
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Kaniyia Brown & Terry McCaskill (social media personality duo)
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Anthony Gargiula (artist and music creator)
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Loren Gray (singer and actress)
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Shirley Halperin (co-editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone)
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Evan Ross Katz (writer, podcast host, cultural commentator)
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Cheryl Porter (renowned vocal coach and online phenomenon)
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Kelly Sutton (country music personality and Grand Ole Opry announcer)
Adding to the emotional weight, contestants will also perform in front of their peers, family members, and friends, blending professional critique with personal support in what producers describe as the ultimate musical focus group.
High Stakes in Paradise
By the end of the ‘Ohana Round, the field will be cut dramatically—from 30 hopefuls down to just 20, who will then advance to the live voting stages of the competition.
The result is a round that balances artistry, connection, and real-world resonance—pushing contestants to prove not only their vocal ability, but their ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
When to Watch
American Idol returns Monday, January 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu.
With a stunning location, powerful performances, and a brand-new twist rooted in connection and community, American Idol 2026 is shaping up to be one of its most memorable seasons yet.
