American Idol Shakes Things Up in a Bold New Era After 24 Years

When it comes to the longevity of a reality show, it's important to keep things fresh without compromising its integrity. To kick off the new season of American Idol, the long-running series is changing things up because class is back in session. Setting up the season as “Idol University,” American Idol is gearing up to capture a younger generation of viewers. Though the format is essentially staying put, the vibes are shifting slightly to keep up with the times.

From inviting a Banana Ball star to revealing the identity of a hidden viral TikToker, the series will be shaking up how social media and artists' images factor into the show. In an age whenpresence can be almost as important as actual talent, American Idol seeks to shape its hopefuls into artists with the longevity of its original stars. Season 24 will be monumental regardless of who ultimately wins, but how we select our idol will be completely different.

The Way To Vote Is Changing

Jayson Arendt of the Texas Tailgaters auditions for 'American Idol' Season 24.

While we're still a long way away from voting for our finalists, our biggest change heading into the season is the announcement of the voting process. The at-home audience will have a new way to vote: via social media. The goal is to expand interaction and entice a younger demographic to tune in. “We have to meet the audience where they are. Back in 2002, when the show began, texting was the new hot thing,” showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick explained to Deadline. “We also have to meet the technology where it is, as well. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to vote for their favorites, weigh in from their couch with their second screen, in real time.”

Like Dancing with the Stars, American Idol is hoping to reflect the current cultural moment. With an older demographic continuing to tune in, appealing to younger viewers is vital to long-term success. By incorporating a more interactive element into the show, American Idol hopes that the voting audience will feel as if their voice is not only heard but also part of the action. In an age when likes and shares are integral to success, this newfound element is the next evolution. “If we can get Gen Alpha and Gen Z to weigh in a little bit more in the easiest way possible, that’s very exciting,” she explained. “It could tip the scale.” American Idol needed to evolve, as it was beginning to feel stale in the ABC era. There will certainly be flaws in the system, and Idol faithful viewers might be upset by the new voting format, but this may also alleviate the real-time voting issues that plagued both Idol and DWTS.

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'You're Going To Hollywood Week?'

American Idol has been formulaic since its debut in 2002. A singer would audition for the judges, and if they were accepted, they would receive their Golden Ticket and hear the infamous phrase, "You're going to Hollywood!" Well, that's about to change. As viewers heardin episode one, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood said, "You're going to Hollywood week!" The annual Hollywood week is being relocated to Nashville, the same place where this season started. As Michaels Wolflick put it, “The music industry in Nashville is just as strong as it is in L.A., too. It is a hub and a dream for people to go to.” Now, where this may upset some Idol lovers is that it may continue to push for the desire to have a country act crowned on finale night. After Jamal Robertson’s victory last season, a non-country artist, you’d think, you’d think that Idol was aware of what the audience wanted. The number of guitars entering the audition room on day one seems to indicate that they truly want a country winner to be back on top.

Further, the three-episode Hollywood Week will feature a new and improved 'Ohana Round, filmed at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. There, they will sing exclusively for the judges, aiming to impress a panel of “industry tastemakers,” including influencers Kaniyia Brown and Terry McCaskill; music creator Anthony Gargiula; actress Loren Gray; podcast host Evan Ross Katz; vocal coach Cheryl Porter; Grand Ole Opry announcer Kelly Sutton; and Rolling Stone co–editor-in-chief Shirley Halperin. Further, they will be working with superstar mentors Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley. The ’Ohana Round blends peer respect, emotional support, and professional insight before the competition moves on to America’s Vote. The biggest change here is that America will not be voting during 'Ohana any longer. It's all based on the judges.

'American Idol' Is Going To Be Tougher For the Hopefuls

As seen in the first episode, it's going to be a tougher road to get to America's vote. There were certainly emotional backstories that the judges acknowledged as part of their decisions, including the inspirational Jesse Findling, who uses music to help buildhis confidence with his stutter. But for every Jesse, singers like Lainey Grace and Tate Emmons, who was accompanied by last year's finalist Brianna Nix, were cut as talent superseded emotion. No matter where the season goes, American Idol is making bold decisions to ensure it reinvents itself and stays fresh. For a long-running show, it’s a crucial move.

American Idol airs Mondays on ABC. All episodes are available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.

The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026. 

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Clooney opted for a pair of medium-wash jeans with subtle fading (another Y2K reference, IMO). Her blues had an ultra-high waist—so high, in fact, that they appeared to hit at the ribcage. It’s the complete opposite of the controversial low-rise denim, so it’s a possible sign that the high-high waist is coming back, too. Not to mention, Clooney’s jeans had a slightly oversized fit from the thighs to the ankles, but it’s that flared hem that has all my attention; it’s taking me back to my middle school days when I’d wear my True Religion flares every single day. (No joke.)

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It’s undeniable that Clooney’s jeans have that nostalgic flair (ahem, flare, wink, wink), but it’s also undeniable that celebs are clamoring to the style because it’s incredibly flattering. The blues basically act like an optical illusion, making legs look super long, especially when paired with a style that has an extra-long hemline and sky-high platforms á la Lopez; the singer is 5-feet-5-inches, but don’t you agree with me that she looks way taller in these jeans? Yeah, that’s thanks to the flares. The flare hem and longer inseams help create the look of legs for days, but add in a high-waisted cut, platform heels, and a crop top, and you’ll fool people into thinking you’re inches taller. 

Leg-elongating factor aside, there’s no denying that flares are fun and nostalgia-inducing—and that’s exactly what I need right now. So, shop some more fun, funky flares from Frame, NYDJ, and Mavi below.

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