American Idol wrapped up season 23 in May 2025, and let's all celebrate the newest winner, Jamal Roberts!
The season finale of the ABC series had longtime viewers in suspense about which music hopeful would be crowned the next champion of American Idol. As folks watched Jamal, John Foster and Breanna Nix all sing their hearts out, they also waited to see how judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie would react to their epic performances. In the end, though, only one emerged victorious — and that was none other than Jamal.
But as one American Idol season ends, another is officially starting. With new contestants and plenty of surprises in store, here's everything fans need to know about the future of the show.
Is American Idol coming back for season 24 in 2026?
You bet it is!
American Idol surprised fans by revealing epic news ahead of the season 23 finale. Sharing a post on the show's Instagram, folks learned American Idol will return for season 9 (season 24 overall) in 2026.
"Dim the lights... here we go," read the official caption on May 12. "#AmericanIdol is coming back for another season! 🎶."
Naturally, seeing news of this incredible feat for American Idol had folks ecstatic in the comments.
"That is awesome news! I don’t want the show to ever be cancelled," one person exclaimed in the comments. "Such great news!! The next crop of Idols will be awesome too!!" another declared. "One of my favorite shows ever 😍," a different viewer added.
Who are the contestants for American Idol season 24?
While it's going to take time before we know who will compete on American Idol, aspiring singers can now audition for the upcoming season 24.
Thanks to a video post on American Idol's Instagram on May 20, the show got season 23 winner Jamal to share how his trajectory on the show changed his life. And now, there's a chance for another singer's life to be altered as well.
"You could be the next American Idol!" he stated in the clip. "So, go sign up on americanidol.com/auditions."
Who are the judges on American Idol season 24?
Presently, it looks like Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will all return as judges for American Idol season 24. Additionally, Ryan Seacrest will join the judges as the host for the competition.
Fans know Carrie replaced Katy Perry after the latter announced her exit from the show in early 2024. Carrie also famously has roots on American Idol, having won the show's season 4 back in 2005. She actually revisited her time on the show in her "Idol to Icon" YouTube series, while also singing past songs she performed as a contestant.
How can I watch and stream American Idol season 24?
When the time comes for fans to tune into American Idol season 24, they will be able to watch every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
If you don't have access to a TV, the show offers multiple options to watch in real-time. Along with the ability to watch on ABC's website, there are live-streaming sites that offer viewers a chance to see the show as it airs live. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling and FuboTV are all great options to choose from — just remember you'll need to sign up and make an account before new episodes premiere.
If you're the type who'd rather watch American Idol when you have the time to do so, the show will also stream on Hulu the next day. If you don't have a profile, the site has plans that begin at $9.99 per month (or $99.99 per year). When you're all set up, you can head on over to Hulu's website or the Hulu app and start watching whenever you want.
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
