It’s here. “Star Search” (one of the biggest talent competition revivals) officially kicks off tonight, January 20, 2026 at 9:00pm ET on Netflix, and yep, you’re part of the show in a way we honestly didn’t expect from a streaming service. Hosted by Anthony Anderson with judges Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen, this version doesn’t just give us performances; it gives us real-time stakes and real-time voting.
Let’s be real; this isn’t a pre-recorded season that drops all at once. Instead, episodes will stream live on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:00pm ET through mid-February, building momentum weekly and giving fans something that feels actually live.
And here’s the twist that’s got everyone talking: tonight isn’t just about watching… it’s about voting. According to Tudum, “for the first time ever, viewer votes on Netflix will determine, in real time, who advances in the competition and who is knocked out.”
WARNING: This post is being updated as Season 1, Episode 1 of “Star Search” airs live and will contain spoilers. So, keep refreshing this page to see how this all plays out.
The Practice Vote
After introducing the judges, Anthony Anderson gave viewers a chance to practice voting by ranking his suit from 1-5 stars. The results came in and overall he earned 4 stars for his suit.
Junior Music Category
Performer #1: Eric Adrien Williams (age 11) sings “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5.
- Judges Scores: Chrissy = 4/5, Jelly Roll = 5/5, Sarah = 4/5
- Average Judges Score: 4.3/5
- Worldwide Vote: 3.8/5
- Final Score: 4.08/5
Performer #2: Blair Kudelka (age 10) sings “Blue” by LeAnn Rimes.
- Judges Scores: Chrissy = 4/5, Jelly Roll = 5/5, Sarah = 4/5
- Average Judges Score: 4.3/5
- Worldwide Vote: 3.6/5
- Final Score: 4.00/5
Round Winner: Eric
Dance Category
Performer #1: Movement 55
- Judges Scores: Chrissy = 4/5, Jelly Roll = 4/5, Sarah = 4/5
- Average Judges Score: 4.0/5
- Worldwide Vote: 3.3/5
- Final Score: 3.6/5
Performer #2: Ladymetry
- Judges Scores: Chrissy = 3/5, Jelly Roll = 4/5, Sarah = 3/5
- Average Judges Score: 3.3/5
- Worldwide Vote: 3.6/5
- Final Score: 3.4/5
Round Winner: Movement 55
Magician/Mentalist Variety Category
Performer #1: TJ Salta
- Judges Scores: Chrissy = 4/5, Jelly Roll = 4/5, Sarah = 4/5
- Average Judges Score: 4.0/5
- Worldwide Vote: 4.2/5
- Final Score: 4.1/5
Performer #2: Fernando Velasco
- Judges Scores: Chrissy = 3/5, Jelly Roll = 4/5, Sarah = 3/5
- Average Judges Score: 3.3/5
- Worldwide Vote: 3.1/5
- Final Score: 3.2/5
Round Winner: TJ Salta
Group Music Category
Performer #1: 2BYG sings “It’s Gonna Be Me” by NSYNC
- Judges Scores: Chrissy = 3/5, Jelly Roll = 5/5, Sarah = 3/5
- Average Judges Score: 3.6/5
- Worldwide Vote: 2.8/5
- Final Score: 3.2/5
Performer #2: H3RIZON sings “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
- Judges Scores: Chrissy = 5/5, Jelly Roll = 4/5, Sarah = 4/5
- Average Judges Score: 4.3/5
- Worldwide Vote: 3.6/5
- Final Score: 3.9/5
Round Winner: H3RIZON
Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow night (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) at 9:00pm ET for another new episode of “Star Search” on Netflix.
