“American Idol” is gearing up for Season 9 with judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood returning to the judging table to look for the next superstar. Season 8  had  very successful transition from judge Katy Perry to Idol winner turned judge Carrie Underwood and season 8  winner  Jamal Roberts’ first single “Heal” also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel chart in May 2025. New episodes of the hit reality competition series returns to ABC in 2026.

Season nine (24th season overall) auditions kick off Tuesday, Aug. 26, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an “American Idol” producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.

“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):

• • “First 900” VIP Event (Aug. 26)
  • Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 27)
  • Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 28)
  • Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 2)
  • Nationwide open call (Sept. 3)
  • Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Sept. 4)
  • Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sept. 8)
  • Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 9)
  • Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sept. 11)
  • East Coast open call (Sept. 12)
  • The South open call (Sept. 15)
  • Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 16)
  • West and Midwest open call (Sept. 18)
  • Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 19)
  • Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 22)
  • Nationwide open call (Sept. 24)

For information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of an “American Idol” producer, please visit americanidol.com/auditions. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. For full eligibility requirements, details on specific dates, submission forms, and terms and conditions, please visit the website.