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Ko Olina Today
By the People, for the People
American Idol Heads to Hawaii for Top 20 Performances
Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer to mentor contestants at Aulani Resort
Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:30pm
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The next episode of American Idol Season 24 will take place at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Mentors Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer will guide the Top 20 contestants, and past Idol stars Iam Tongi and Thunderstorm Artis will also perform. The episode airs on March 16 on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu, Disney+, and ABC.com.
Why it matters
American Idol remains one of the most popular singing competition shows on television, drawing millions of viewers each season. The show's move to the picturesque Aulani Resort in Hawaii adds an exciting new backdrop for the high-stakes performances of the Top 20 contestants.
The details
In the upcoming episode, the Top 20 contestants will perform at the Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Country star Brad Paisley and actress Keke Palmer will serve as mentors, providing guidance and feedback to help the singers shine. Additionally, past Idol winners Iam Tongi (2023) and Thunderstorm Artis (2025) will take the stage to perform.
- The next new episode of American Idol Season 24 airs on Monday, March 16 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
- The 'Songs of Faith' episode is scheduled for March 30.
The players
Brad Paisley
A country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who will serve as a mentor for the Top 20 contestants.
Keke Palmer
An actress and singer who will serve as a mentor and guest judge for the Top 20 contestants.
Iam Tongi
The winner of American Idol in 2023, who will perform during the upcoming episode.
Thunderstorm Artis
A finalist on American Idol in 2025, who will also perform during the upcoming episode.
What’s next
The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
American Idol continues to captivate audiences with its high-stakes competition and star-studded mentorship, now set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii's Aulani Resort. Fans can look forward to seeing past Idol stars return to the stage as the Top 20 contestants vie for the title.
