American Idol is set to release its ninth season on ABC and Hulu, marking its 24th overall, with fresh talent, big names, and renewed energy in 2026.
Here are the five things fans can expect from the Emmy Award-winning show:
1. Several Well-known faces are joining the American Idol season 9 judges’ table
Music legends Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will return to the panel of judges.
They will be joined by long-time host Ryan Seacrest, ensuring viewers get the perfect blend of tough love, mentorship, and entertainment.
2. Carrie Underwood steps in as a full-time judge on American Idol season 9
Idol alum Carrie Underwood will be stepping in as a full-time judge for the first time, bringing her own journey from contestant to global icon full circle.
3. Nation-wide Auditions are ongoing
ABC announced that auditions are already underway and scheduled across all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C.
Furthermore, ABC disclosed that those auditioning will have the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, on any official audition date, for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions.
“Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible,” ABC stated.
According to ABC, the auditions will be held as shown below, subject to change:
- Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sep 9, 2025)
- Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sep 11, 2025)
- East Coast open call (Sep 12)
- The South open call (Sep 15)
- Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sep 16)
- West and Midwest open call (Sep 18)
- Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sep 19)
- Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sep 22)
- Nationwide open call (Sep 24)
4. You can register virtually to participate in auditions
Interested contenders are encouraged to visit American Idol to sign up for Idol Across America and to register to virtually audition in front of an American Idol producer.
Similarly, participants may also audition on any official Idol Across America date, regardless of their location within the U.S.
Additionally, the site provides full eligibility requirements, detailed information on specific audition dates, submission forms, and terms and conditions to guide applicants through the process.
5. International contestants are allowed to participate in American Idol Season 9
For the first time, the competition has expanded its eligibility to include international contestants, allowing singers worldwide to audition and raise the bar for the next Idol.
American Idol Season 8’s winner, Jamal Roberts, made history when his debut single, “Heal”, topped the Billboard Hot Gospel chart in May 2025.
Season 9 contestants will be looking to match, or surpass, that level of success, proving that Idol still creates stars who shine long after the show.