The results are in, and “American Idol” has a winner: Monday nights! After years of airing on Sundays, the iconic singing competition switched to Mondays with its season 24 premiere on January 26, 2026, and scored big in the ratings.
The first “American Idol” episode of 2026 drew its biggest audience in four years, Deadline reported on January 28. In addition to the schedule change potentially helping the ratings, viewers may still be fired up about the show eight months after Jamal Roberts won season 23, when a record-breaking 26 million votes were cast for the finale.
Season Premiere of ‘American Idol’ Will Re-Air This Weekend
According to Deadline, “American Idol” drew 5.9 million total viewers for its season 24 premiere — a big jump from 4.49 million the previous year. It was the show’s biggest premiere audience since season 20 kicked off in 2022, per the outlet.
ABC told Deadline that the talent show “outdelivered” and “surged past” NBC’s “The Voice” in ratings for the first time since “American Idol” was rebooted on ABC in 2018. Given that “The Voice” hasn’t premiered its spring 2026 edition yet (that will start in late February), Deadline pointed out that ABC’s victory lap was based on the fall 2025 season of “The Voice.”
The ratings are good news for ABC execs who gambled on moving the show to Monday nights. Executive producer Megan Michaels Woflick had previously told Deadline, “The beginning of the year is awards season and a lot of these award shows are on Sunday nights. You’re up against the Grammys and the Super Bowl. Let’s see what happens on Monday.”
But for those who still wish “Idol” was on Sundays, good news — ABC will re-air the season premiere on Sunday, February 1, at 9 p.m. Eastern time. It is also available to stream anytime via Disney+.
Who Made It Through on ‘American Idol’ Season Premiere?
During the season premiere, many talented singers earned a golden ticket to “Hollywood Week,” which will not actually be held in Hollywood. For the first time in “Idol” history, that iconic week of competition will be held at Belmont University in Nashville, where auditions were also held.
Among those who survived their auditions and will return for the next round was college student Jesse Findling, who shared what it was like growing up with a stutter and how it disappears when he sings. Even before his audition aired, a sneak peek video of that special moment went viral, racking up over 20 million views.
Other stand-outs who made it through included singer-songwriter Kendyl Inskeep, who teared up as she watched another contestant try out using one of her songs; banana league baseball player Jason Arendt; music teacher and single mom Keyla Richardson; and Brook Rosser, who works at an assisted living facility and blew the judges away with his “unique” voice. EntertainmentNow has compiled a round-up of the best auditions of the night.
After the re-airing of the premiere on February 1, a new two-hour episode of auditions will air on February 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
I still watch Idol. Have watched every year since season 1. I’m 70 yrs old and will continue watch. Love seeing the young talent!
I watch Idol I used to watch the Voice but don’t anymore because you never get any of the winners at other events. Once they win you don’t hear or see them again. Idol winners you hear of what they are doing and seeing them at other events….Idol my favorite and the judges make it fun to watch