NC natives hope to sing their way to be the next American Idol winner

Monday, January 26, 2026
NORTH CAROLINA (WTVD) -- Get ready to sing your heart out because American Idol is back for its 24th season. The show judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are all back.

The journey for so many hopeful musicians begins on Monday night, Jan. 26, right here on ABC11.

ABC11's Amber Rupinta interviewed two contestants from central North Carolina who not only hope to score the golden ticket, but also sing their way to the finals and be the next American Idol!

Jayson Arendt
American Idol contestant: Jayson Arendt


Ricky Boyce
American Idol contestant: Ricky Boyce


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This season, Hollywood week isn't actually in Hollywood, California. It's in Music City where a whole new class of contestants are hoping to become the next big name in music.

American Idol premieres on ABC on a brand new night, Monday, January 26, at 8 p.m. and you can watch it the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
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