Season 9 (2026)
Episodes: 16
Star Cast: Ryan Seacrest , Lionel Richie , Luke Bryan , Carrie Underwood ,
Episodes List
Ep.1 901 (Auditions)
Air Date: 2026-01-26
Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan welcome the newest class of hopefuls to Idol University in Nashville, where future stars take their first steps toward becoming the next "American Idol."
Ep.2 902 (Auditions)
Air Date: 2026-02-02
Auditions continue, with hopefuls stepping into the spotlight and delivering unforgettable performances.
Ep.3 903 (Auditions)
Air Date: 2026-02-09
The stakes continue to rise as additional hopefuls face the judges with electrifying performances, each vying for a chance at the coveted golden ticket.
Ep.4 904 (Auditions)
Air Date: 2026-02-16
In the final week of auditions, rising stars deliver showstopping performances that stun Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan, setting the stage for Hollywood Week.
Ep.5 905 (Hollywood Week in Music City (1))
Air Date: 2026-02-23
For the first time, Idol is bringing Hollywood Week to Music City as hopefuls take the stage for a make-or-break performance and face the biggest Hollywood Week cut in Idol history.
Ep.6 906 (Hollywood Week in Music City (2))
Air Date: 2026-03-02
Hollywood Week in Music City continues, pushing hopefuls to their maximum potential as they compete to wow the judges; in the end, only 30 move forward.
Ep.7 907 ('Ohana Round)
Air Date: 2026-03-09
At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i, hopefuls take the stage to perform for their own families, industry tastemakers and their fellow hopefuls; 20 contestants move forward.
Ep.8 908 (Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i (1))
Air Date: 2026-03-16
As the competition continues at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi, Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer mentor the Top 20 hopefuls. Keke also serves as a guest judge, while Iam Tongi and Thunderstorm Artis perform.
Ep.9 909 (Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i (2))
Air Date: 2026-03-23
In the final week at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i, Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer continue mentoring the top 20 hopefuls, Keke returns to the judging panel and takes the stage for a performance, Skip Marley performs.
Ep.10 Songs of Faith
Air Date: 2026-03-30
The hopefuls lift their voices in inspiring songs of faith, 12 finalists continue on the journey to become the next singing sensation.
Ep.11 911 (90s Judges' Song Contest)
Air Date: 2026-04-06
The Top 12 perform '90s hits secretly picked by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood; stars of ABC's "TGIF" '90s lineup hang with the hopefuls in the lounge as America votes for the Top 11.
Ep.12 912 (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
Air Date: 2026-04-13
The Top 11 perform iconic hits from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees; inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026 ceremony are revealed.
Ep.13 913 (Disney Night)
Air Date: 2026-04-20
The Top 9 bring iconic Disney songs to life as America votes live to decide which seven finalists move one step closer to their dream of becoming the next "American Idol."
Ep.14 914 (Celebrating Taylor Swift on American Idol)
Air Date: 2026-04-27
The Top 7 celebrate Taylor Swift's chart-topping hits and defining eras as America votes live to reveal the Top 5; a salute to California's biggest artists; Nikki Glaser guest judges.
Ep.15 915 (Class of 2006: Reunion/Idol X DWTS)
Air Date: 2026-05-04
At the "American Idol" 20th high school reunion, fan-favorite idols from the class of 2006, along with special guests, return as "Dancing With the Stars" pros bring some ballroom flair to the celebration; America votes live for the Top 3.
Ep.16 916 (Grand Finale)
Air Date: 2026-05-11
The Top 3 finalists give their all for the last chance to earn America's vote; Alicia Keys performs and serves as guest mentor; special performances from other music legends and today's top stars.
