Overview

• ABC and Hulu confirmed the judging trio’s return as the series readies its 24th overall season, set to air in 2026.
• Idol Across America launches Aug. 26 and spans all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., with a “First 900” VIP kickoff and open-call dates running through Sept. 24.
• Longtime host Ryan Seacrest was not mentioned in the announcement; reporting indicates he is expected to return, though a new deal was not finalized.
• This will be the show’s ninth season on ABC/Hulu, continuing the panel configuration established last season when former winner Carrie Underwood replaced Katy Perry, with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie returning from their 2018 ABC-era start.
• The series is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, with Megan Wolflick as showrunner and executive producer alongside Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman.