American Idol’s Bold Move: Hollywood Week Heads to Nashville for a Country Tune-Up!

Get ready for a new season of American Idol, kicking off on January 26, 2026, and this time it’s heading to Music City! That’s right, Hollywood Week is packing its bags and relocating to Nashville, where contestants will strut their stuff in front of the beloved judging trio—Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. The buzz is that this twist will bring a fresh, fun energy to the competition, and let’s face it, who doesn’t appreciate a little country flair?

The judges hopped on Instagram to unveil this exciting change, sporting papered-up school spirit vibes as they touted their roles at “Idol University.” It looks like they’re taking their role as musical mentors seriously, with the shared goal of helping aspiring stars hit the high notes of their dreams. I mean, who better to teach music lessons than these three pros? Plus, it’s about time Nashville gets its chance to shine—after all, it’s the home of country music!

This new chapter for American Idol not only marks the show’s ninth season on ABC and Hulu but comes off the heels of a season finale that ruled primetime viewing. It begs the question: how will the energy shift when contestants perform in the heart of country music? And let’s be honest, who can resist the charm of a good Nashville accent?

So, what do you think—does Nashville have the magic to elevate the talent or will it throw a wrench in the gear? Here’s to hoping for some belting ballads and unforgettable voices! Will the southern setting result in more memorable performances? Drop your thoughts below!