American Idol Shakes Things Up With a Major Broadcast Change — and a Brand-New Spinoff

American Idol is officially entering a new era, and longtime fans are about to experience the show in a whole new way.

As Season 24 heats up, the iconic singing competition is making a major broadcast move — expanding where viewers can watch the show live — while also launching its very first official spinoff.

American Idol Goes Live on Disney+

Beginning March 30, American Idol will stream live on Disney+, airing simultaneously with its traditional ABC broadcast. The move marks a significant expansion of the show’s live viewing experience and opens the door to an entirely new audience.

The series will continue to air live on ABC Mondays at 8 p.m., stream next-day on Hulu, and now — for the first time — be available live on Disney+, adjusted for local time zones.

The decision reflects ABC’s push to meet viewers where they already are, especially as streaming continues to reshape how audiences consume live television.

A First-Ever American Idol Podcast Is Coming

That’s not the only big announcement.

American Idol is also launching its first-ever official podcast, set to debut on Disney+ and Hulu alongside the start of the live shows.

According to the official press release, the podcast will offer fans a deeper dive into the competition each week, featuring:

• Exclusive interviews

• Behind-the-scenes moments

• Expert breakdowns of performances

• Expanded insight into judges’ critiques

For fans who can’t get enough Idol content, it’s a brand-new way to stay connected between episodes.

Social Media Voting Brings Idol Into the Future

Season 24 has already introduced several changes — including social media voting, a first for the franchise.

Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed that the idea has been in the works for nearly five years.

“We have to meet the audience where they are,” she explained. “Back in 2002 when the show began, texting was the new hot thing. Now, people are watching with a second screen in their hands.”

The goal is simple: make voting faster, easier, and more accessible — especially for younger viewers.

“If we can get Gen Alpha and Gen Z to weigh in more easily, that’s very exciting,” Wolflick added. “It could tip the scale.”

Nashville Replaces Hollywood Week

Another noticeable shift this season is the removal of Hollywood Week, replaced by auditions in Nashville.

Wolflick admitted the change comes with some uncertainty, but that’s part of the excitement.

“We don’t know how it’s going to go until we do it,” she said. “I love that there’s something exciting about trying something new.”

A Bigger, Bolder Idol Era

Between live streaming on Disney+, a brand-new podcast, social media voting, and format changes, American Idol is clearly betting on evolution — without losing the heart of what made it iconic.

As the competition intensifies, one thing is certain: Idol isn’t just surviving in the streaming age — it’s embracing it.

And for fans, that means more access, more voices, and more ways to be part of the journey than ever before.