American Idol 2026 Premiere Recap – We’re Live Blogging the Season 24 kickoff
American Idol season 24 kicks off tonight (Jan 26), earlier than it ever has in the ABC era. Auditions took place at Belmont University. Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, Lionel RIchie and Luke Bryan sit on the judges panel. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Who will make it through to the Hollywood Nashville Round? We’re live blogging here.
American Idol 2026: Premiere Preview (Photos)
American Idol 2026: Everything to Know About Season 24
The show dedicates the entire season 24 of American Idol to Robin Kaye, the executive who was murdered earlier this year.
The show opens with a preview of past Idol winners and notables. The theme is “class” as the auditions take place at Belmont University. “First day of school,” Lionel proclaims at auditions start.
Lucas Leon – 17 – Fall in Love Some Day (Original)
Luke Bryan takes one look at Lucas and declares he could be his son. He proves it showing a recent photo of his own son on his phone. They do look alike! Lucas is a songwriter from Gallatin. Lucas strums along to an original song titled “Fall in Love Some Day.” He sings with a raspy, appealing tone, although he’s a tad bit nasally. He has an ear for melody. The song makes an impact.
The judges give him a standing ovation. Carrie believes he could go pretty far. “Pretty, honest, believable,” declares Lionel. 3 enthusiastic yeses
Keyla Richardson – 29 – Glitter in the Air by P!nk
Keyla, a teacher from Pensacola, Florida, loves to play basketball. She is also a mother to a young son. She’s 29 and is about to age out of the show. She is a music teacher, and it shows. Keyla has also competed on BET’s Sunday’s Best. She isn’t new to singing competitions. Her runs are expert. A beautiful singer.
Lucas declares her “interesting.” Carrie suggests that she lit it breath a little bit. Lionel is also somewhat critical. It appears they are going to have viewers wondering if Keyla’s last chance will fly. Luke coaches her through a few lines of the song. She was fine to begin with! Dad and her son join Keyla in the audition room as Luke leaks a few tears. The kiddo sings a bit of “God Only Knows” (The Christian song, not the Beach Boys tune). 3 yeses
Jayson Arendt – 24 – Fire Away by Chris Stapleton
Jayson is a member of the popular Banana Ball League team, the Texas Tailgaters. His teammates show up with him. They pass out t shirts to the judges. Singing is part of the Tailgaters shtick. But Jayson is a solid vocalist, although he lacks range and finesse. He makes his way through “Fire Away” decently enough. They guys are all gathered around the piano performing a few antics.
Carrie is distracted by a Tailgaters abs. Luke threatens to go shirtless. Lionel believes he’s distinct. Carrie hopes that Jayson takes his performances seriously. Luke says he does not need to sing so loud. Regardless 3 yeses.
Daniel Stallworth – 27 – Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
Daniel is a music teacher from Mississippi. He’s auditioning for his students. He sits down at the piano and sings a soulful version of the Journey classic. The judges give him a standing ovation. 3 yeses.
Tate Emmons – 15 – Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake
Tate could sing before he could talk. His vocal coach is Breanna Nix’s uncle. The young singer is from a small town Mississippi. Breanna is with him as support. Recently, she heard him sing and arranged an audition for him.
He sings like his voice hasn’t changed yet. Maybe it has not? Or he could have a naturally high register. Still, he sings with a maturity not only vocally, but also the way he phrases a song. He sounds like he understands what he’s singing. Luke praises his acoustic guitar skills. Luke coaches him through re-singing the chorus with more passion. Weirdly, Luke feels his talent is immature. They wonder if they should throw him to the wolves. Breanna tries to convince them. Carrie says yes, Lionel says no, and then Luke says no! He’ll come back next season, and they’ll let him through. It’s a no 2 nos, 1 yes.
Jesse Findling – 19 – In the Stars by Benson Boone
ABC previewed this audition last week. Jesse speaks with a notable stutter. He’s had a stutter most of his life. He’s struggled with. He felt embarrassed. Singing, which comes from a different part of the brain than speaking, was a great outlet for him because it did not affect his stutter. His brother, who also stutters, also sings.
He sings his song pick, by former contestant Benson Boone, with his brother. Jesse’s tone is lovely and his phrasing is heartfelt and believable. He’s a real one! The judges give him a standing ovation. Luke calls him a “real singer.” Carrie calls his voice beautiful, and notes that he was in the song emotional. Jesse’s family joins him the audition room as all judges say yes. Carrie believes he can go far in the competition. – 3 yeses
Oh look, Belmont Alumni Brad Paisley drops by. The auditions are taking place in the “Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams ballroom.” They play a prank on Carrie. Luke wears an earpiece while Brad tells him ridiculous things to say to get under Carrie’s skin. He tells a singer named Dylan Hollis that he hates Michigan, where he is from. Leave the contestants out of your pranks! Oh wait…Dylan is a FAKE auditioner. Whew. Luke says more crazy stuff and Dylan sings. Finally, Brad enters the room. “We really like Michigan, by the way!”
Ricky Boyce – 29 – Simple Man by Lynyrd Skinner
We join Ricky just after his audition begins. It’s just a montage for Ricky, who will age out of American Idol next year. – 3 yeses
Ryan arrives with a tray of “Hot Chicken” which became a hallmark of the Paisley/Bryan prank.
Brianna Yancey – 18
Viewers only get a small taste of Brianna’s big voice. It’s hot chicken for everybody afterward! – 3 yeses.
Jacquie Lee – 28 – I Put a Spell on You
Oh no. This The Voice fan favorite from season 5 (she was only a teen at the time) is montaged here. Interesting to note that alongside releasing music, Jacquie has been doing the Only Fans thing for the last couple of years. The gal, who finished in 2nd place on The Voice, can still belt a song. Lionel feels she has a “bring the house down voice.” Still eating that hot chicken! – 3 yeses
Genevieve Hayward – 26 – Magic Man by Heart
She loves pickles? And apparently brought a ton of friends and family with her. The singer loves pickling things. Genevieve is taking on a big big song. Fans will remember that Carrie nailed the duo’s song “Alone” during her run on American Idol. She sounds a little flat here, but comes across as a credible rock singer. It’s a hard song to sing with only an acoustic guitar.
Carrie is on her feet. “That’s a tall order,” she says. “You made it your own…you have a cool rasp.” Luke advises that she push more. Lionel also says to her allow her voice to do what it wants to do. “She’s the real dill,” quips Carrie. – 3 yeses.
