Well, folks, it's almost time to head back into the world of American Idol!
The most recent season of the hit singing competition series was definitely one to remember, thanks to an epic group of contestants vying for the win. Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough were all in the running to be crowned the winner of season 6. In the end, Iam earned the most votes and won American Idol in 2023 thanks to his soulful approach to music.
After such an eventful season, people are itching for American Idol to return. Well, buckle up, because a new season of AI is almost here!
Is American Idol season 7 coming on in 2024?
You bet it is! Just a month after Iam's win, the show revealed it will be back on ABC for season 7 (and season 22 overall). Posting a photo on Instagram in June 2023, the competition series put out a widespread call for aspiring musicians to send in audition clips for the upcoming installment.
"Are you ready to SHINE? 🤩," read the official caption. "Auditions are OPEN! Submit a video of you singing today!!"
And if that wasn't enough, in July 2023, American Idol's social team announced that the producers, Ryan Seacrest and the judges would be going across the country looking for the next batch of contestants.
"Pick your date to audition for our producers, face-to-face! 🤩," the caption read. "Sign up yourself or someone you 💙 — y’all could be #TheNextIdol!!"
When is the premiere date for American Idol season 7 in 2024?
It's time to mark your calendars because American Idol season 7 is set to air on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Fans first learned of the show's premiere date thanks to Luke Bryan. He and American Idol's official Instagram posted a joint announcement sharing the news, featuring the judges and Ryan.
"Take a journey with us as we make dreams come true. 🗺 ⭐️," he wrote in November 2023. "The season premiere of #AmericanIdol is February 18 on ABC and Stream on Hulu!"
Naturally, viewers were ecstatic to see the show would be making a grand return. "I am so excited can't wait ❣️❤️," one person wrote in the comments. "Hooray so can’t wait!! Definitely be watching!! It’s going be fantastic ❤️❤️👏👏," another replied. "Calendar is marked!! Can’t wait 🤩," a different follower added.
What's more, in December 2023, the show teased what's to come with a promo clip inspired by The Wizard of Oz.
"Somewhere over the rainbow, a star will be born," read the caption for the snippet posted to YouTube. "Don’t miss the 'American Idol' season premiere SUN FEB 18 on ABC and Stream on Hulu."
Who are the judges for American Idol season 7 in 2024?
Just like seasons prior, fans can expect country superstar Luke Bryan, pop singer Katy Perry and famed musician Lionel Richie to return to the judges' panel for American Idol in 2024.
Additionally, longtime host Ryan Seacrest is returning to the role he's held since the show began in 2002.
Are there any details on what to expect from American Idol season 7 in 2024?
While naturally the folks at American Idol can't tell us who made it through the various rounds ahead of the live shows, we did get a major clue about certain celebrities joining the judges.
In an announcement made by Entertainment Tonight on February 6, the outlet revealed country superstar Jelly Roll and pop singer Tori Kelly will appear on American Idol as mentors during the Hawai'i episodes. During this time, the contestants will sing for the judges at the Aulani: A Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, looking for a place in the next round of competition.
The news of Tori mentoring contestants is a full circle moment, as fans may remember the singer herself auditioned for the show back in 2010. She eventually got eliminated during Hollywood Week in season 9 at the time, but released her debut EP Handmade Songs in 2012 and launched her music career.
How can I watch and stream American Idol season 7 in 2024?
When the time comes for American Idol to air new episodes, fans can tune into the show every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
There are other ways to watch American Idol season 7 as well. Along with watching the series on ABC's website or on the ABC app, there are live-streaming websites that will allow viewers to tune in. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV and FuboTV are all great, but make sure you have accounts ready ahead of time.
If you're the type who'd rather wait to watch new episodes of American Idol on your own time, you're in luck. The series will also be available to stream on Hulu starting the day after the episode airs.
If you don't have an account set up yet, Hulu offers multiple plans to choose from that start at $7.99 per month. Once you have a profile made, head to the show's title page on Hulu's website or on the Hulu app.
Adrianna Freedman
Editorial Assistant
As the entertainment and news editorial assistant for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
