There are lots of surprises in store for fans of “American Idol.” On October 28, 2025, ABC announced that the show’s 24th season will kick off earlier than expected, premiering on January 26, 2026. That’s far earlier than in recent years; the last time “American Idol” premiered in January was a decade earlier, in 2016, per IMDb.
But that’s not the most surprising piece of news. As part of ABC’s press announcement, it also revealed a huge shocker: for the first time ever, Hollywood Week will not be held in Hollywood. Rather, it will take place in Nashville.
‘American Idol’ Switching Up Hollywood Week With ‘Music City Takeover’
In a video featuring all three returning judges — Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood — the theme for the season was also revealed, with a tear sheet posted on a bulletin board that said “Idol University.”
The social media video didn’t mention the Hollywood Week change, but the press release stated, “For the first time ever, ‘American Idol’ will bring the iconic Hollywood Week round to Nashville. Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover will feature one round only as the hopefuls from all musical genres take the stage for a make-or-break performance, facing the biggest Hollywood Week cut in ‘Idol’ history.”
According to On Camera Audiences the “Music City Takeover” will be taped on November 9 and 10 at the Fisher Center, and tickets have already been snapped up (though a waitlist is available). The location will certainly be convenient for Underwood and Bryan, who both live just outside Nashville.
Changes Mean ‘American Idol’ Pre-Show Schedule Has Also Been Revamped
With its early premiere date, “American Idol” producers and talent have had a tighter window for pre-show tapings. In-person auditions have likely wrapped up, given that Hollywood Week is already scheduled for early November. For season 23, Hollywood Week wasn’t filmed until late January 2025.
Ever since “American Idol” moved from FOX to ABC in 2018, those who’ve made it through Hollywood Week have consistently been sent to Hawaii for bonding, mentorship sessions, and to perform for an audience at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa.
According to Laughing Place, guests have been alerted that a national production, like “American Idol,” will be filming at the resort from January 25 to 31. In 2025, they didn’t film there until February and the show premiered in early March.
All three judges have confirmed they’re returning for season 24, as has perennial host Ryan Seacrest. The only unknown is whether Jelly Roll will return as a season-long Artist-in-Residence, a mentorship role he said in 2024 he wanted to lock in for life.
