American Idol Season 24 updates as 2026 fate in question

American Idol renewed for another season as Jamal wins finale; Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie set to return.

American Idol has been renewed for season 26. (Image: Getty)

Just hours before crowning its newest champion, American Idol confirmed it’s coming back for another season, with its full judging panel and host intact.

The long-running competition show announced on social media that it has been renewed for a 24th season overall, and its ninth on ABC. The new season is slated to premiere in 2026.

“Dim the lights… here we go,” read the announcement posted on the show’s official Instagram account.

The news arrived ahead of a dramatic finale, where finalists Jamal, John Foster, and Breanna Nix battled for the title. All three delivered standout performances, earning praise from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie.

Ultimately, it was Jamal who took home the win, following a performance that brought the audience to its feet.

Underwood, a former “Idol” winner herself, joined the judging panel after Katy Perry’s departure in early 2024.

Since returning to the franchise that launched her career, she’s shared behind-the-scenes reflections in her YouTube series Idol to Icon, even revisiting songs she once sang on the Idol stage.

The judging trio of Underwood, Bryan, and Richie is expected to return for the upcoming season, as is longtime host Ryan Seacrest.

Fans eager to follow the next season can tune in Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Episodes will also stream live on ABC.com for viewers with a TV provider login. For cord-cutters, options include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling, and FuboTV, all of which offer access to ABC.

Miss an episode? New installments will be available to stream the following day on Hulu. Subscription plans for Hulu start at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.

As American Idol Season 24 prepares to kick off, uncertainty surrounds the future of the iconic singing competition, raising questions about whether the show will return for 2026. Once considered untouchable in the realm of reality TV, Idol now faces growing pressure from shifting viewer habits, internal restructuring, and the unpredictable tastes of a younger generation.

ABC has yet to confirm whether Season 25 is officially greenlit, fueling speculation that the upcoming season could be a pivotal moment for the franchise. Industry insiders reveal that declining ratings in recent years, coupled with rising production costs and increasing competition from digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube, have made Idol’s long-term viability a hot topic in boardrooms.

“The show still has star power and name recognition,” one source close to production said. “But networks are asking harder questions about return on investment. If Season 24 doesn’t perform, it could be the end of the road.”

Fans are also closely watching the judging panel. While longtime favorites like Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan have become familiar faces over the past several seasons, Perry’s recent announcement about stepping away from the show after Season 24 has added another layer of instability. No replacement has been officially named, and rumors are swirling about potential celebrity additions — from former Idol winners to Grammy nominees.

Meanwhile, host Ryan Seacrest is expected to return, though sources say even his role is being quietly evaluated as part of a larger cost-cutting strategy.

Social media reactions to the uncertainty have been swift, with hashtags like #SaveIdol and #AmericanIdol25 already trending on X (formerly Twitter). Longtime fans express frustration that a show that once launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson could potentially be sunsetted without a proper farewell season.

Others, however, believe it may be time for Idol to bow out gracefully. “The magic isn’t the same,” one fan wrote. “I still watch, but I’m not sure I’d notice if it disappeared.”

Still, producers seem determined to make Season 24 a ratings hit. Teasers suggest major format tweaks, high-profile guest mentors, and a return to live stadium auditions — all aimed at recapturing the grandeur of earlier seasons.

“Season 24 will be make-or-break,” said another industry executive. “They’re throwing everything they can at it. If it lands right, it might earn one more year. If not, 2026 might be Idol’s final curtain.”

For now, viewers can only wait, vote, and hope that the next Idol isn’t just a fleeting voice in the crowd — but the spark the franchise needs to stay alive.