Overview

• The upcoming run is the show's ninth season on ABC and 24th overall in the franchise.
• ABC says the new season is slated to premiere in January on the Disney/ABC platform.
• Idol Across America begins Aug. 26 with a “First 900” VIP event and continues through Sept. 24 with state, regional and nationwide open calls across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
• Longtime host Ryan Seacrest was not part of the announcement; he has not finalized a deal, though reporting indicates he is expected to return.
• Season 8 delivered the show's best total-viewer finale in two years and surpassed 1.65 billion social video views in 2025.