The Season 24 premiere of American Idol aired on ABC on Sunday, January 26, and it was a ratings hit. The two-hour episode showcased a lineup of talented performers, all vying for Golden Tickets to Hollywood Week.
Returning judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie brought their signature expertise to the panel. Bryan and Richie have been judging since Season 16 in 2018, while Underwood—Idol’s Season 4 winner—joined last season. Longtime host Ryan Seacrest also returned, continuing his role since the show’s debut in 2002.
Seacrest recently told PEOPLE that many contestants today have dreamed of auditioning their entire lives. “They see someone like them on the show and think, ‘Wow, it could be me,’” he explained, highlighting the evolving spirit of auditions.
Season 24 Premiere Ratings Soar
The premiere drew an impressive 5.9 million viewers, nearly 1.5 million more than Season 23’s debut, making it the show’s most-watched season premiere in four years. Several factors contributed to the spike: Season 23’s record-breaking finale, early and extensive promotion, a new Monday night timeslot, and exciting changes this season—including moving Hollywood Week to Nashville, a new voting method, and an additional Hawaii-based competition round.
With so much anticipation and fresh twists, Season 24 is off to a spectacular start. Were you among the 5.9 million viewers tuning in for the debut?