Image Credit: Disney American Idol is returning in early 2026, and this time, audiences will sit through a different experience. With changes to the voting methods and even to Hollywood Week, fans of the reality TV competition series are also gearing up to watch Idol alum Carrie Underwood take the judges' table again with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. So, without further ado, we all need to find out the premiere date of season 24. Hollywood Life has all the details on Idol's 24th season below. What's Different About American Idol in 2026? In short, a lot is different with American Idol now.