American Idol Moves Hollywood Week to Nashville for 'Music City Takeover'

The show is also introducing a new 'Ohana Round' in Hawaii for the Top 30 contestants.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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For the upcoming 24th season of American Idol, the show is shaking up its format by moving the grueling Hollywood Week portion of the competition from Los Angeles to Nashville. Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick explained the change is meant to build momentum after the audition phase, which will also take place in Nashville this year. The show is also introducing a new 'Ohana Round' that will send the Top 30 contestants to Hawaii to perform for industry tastemakers, who will help select three contestants to receive a 'platinum ticket' and advance in the competition.

Why it matters

The move to Nashville for Hollywood Week reflects American Idol's efforts to keep the show feeling fresh and engaging for viewers, while also tapping into the city's vibrant music scene. The new Ohana Round adds an additional layer of audience participation and industry input into the contestant selection process.

The details

In the past, Hollywood Week has taken place months after the audition phase, but this year it will immediately follow the auditions to maintain the contestants' momentum. With the auditions all taking place in Nashville, it made sense to continue the competition in 'Music City.' The Ohana Round will see the Top 30 contestants perform for their fellow finalists, two family members/friends, and a group of 'industry tastemakers,' who will help select three contestants to receive a 'platinum ticket' and advance in the competition.

  • The auditions for American Idol Season 24 took place in Nashville.
  • Hollywood Week will immediately follow the auditions this season.
  • The new Ohana Round will take place in Hawaii with the Top 30 contestants.

The players

Megan Michaels Wolflick

The showrunner for American Idol who explained the reasoning behind the format changes for Season 24.

American Idol

The long-running singing competition television series that is introducing several format changes for its 24th season.

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What they’re saying

“The momentum of getting through, getting a golden ticket, making it to Hollywood in the past has been maybe sometimes months. There was a momentum that I wanted to experiment with.”

— Megan Michaels Wolflick, Showrunner (Deadline)

“With the Auditions all taking place in Nashville this year, it made sense for Hollywood Week to continue in Music City. 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.”

— Megan Michaels Wolflick, Showrunner (Deadline)

What’s next

The Ohana Round in Hawaii, where the Top 30 contestants will perform for industry tastemakers who will help select three contestants to receive a 'platinum ticket' and advance in the competition, will take place after Hollywood Week.

The takeaway

American Idol is shaking up its format for Season 24 by moving Hollywood Week to Nashville and introducing a new Ohana Round in Hawaii, reflecting the show's efforts to keep the competition fresh and engaging for viewers while tapping into the music scenes of different cities.