‘American Idol’, one of the most popular shows on TV, is back for Season 9, and honestly, it feels like the show never really left. The new season of the music reality show kicks off Monday, January 26, 2026, with the first episode airing at 8 p.m. ET (that’s 5 p.m. for folks on the West Coast). After the premiere, you can tune in every Monday night for more auditions, live performances, and dramatic fan voting.For fans outside the United States, here’s when you can catch the premiere:Canada: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PTUK: 1:00 a.m. GMT (Jan 27)Europe: 2:00 a.m. CET (Jan 27)India: 7:30 a.m. IST (Jan 27)Australia (Sydney): 1:00 p.m. AEDT (Jan 27)New Zealand: 3:00 p.m. NZDT (Jan 27)Japan and South Korea: 10:00 a.m. (Jan 27)Singapore/Malaysia: 9:00 a.m. (Jan 27)UAE: 12:00 a.m. GST (Jan 27)So, no matter where you are, you’ve got options.
‘American Idol Season 9 ’: What we know so far?
For this season of ‘American Idol’, Ryan Seacrest returns as host — no surprise there. He’s been the face of the show since the beginning, and honestly, it wouldn’t be Idol without him. The judges’ table is stacked as well: Lionel Richie brings wisdom, Luke Bryan delivers the country charm, and Carrie Underwood, who won Season 4, is back as a superstar judge.
What’s new this season in ‘American Idol Season 9’
For those asking, ‘American Idol Season 9’ is shaking things up but sticks to the heart of the show: auditions, big performances, and fan votes. Look out for new twists like the “Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover” in Nashville and a special Ohana Round in Hawaii at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. They’re also letting fans vote through social media, not just by phone or text. Plus, “Idol Across America” opens up auditions to every state and D.C., so more fresh voices can take a shot.
How to watch ‘American Idol’ Season 9 online?
Wondering how to watch ‘American Idol Season 9’? We’ve got you covered with that piece of information, too. For starters, if you’ve got cable or satellite, just switch on ABC on Monday nights. In case you prefer streaming, you can use the ABC app or ABC.com with your TV provider login. And if you miss the live show, episodes are available on Hulu, Disney Plus, and ABC.com the next day.
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