“American Idol Season 9 Debuts Exciting ‘Ohana Round'”
The excitement around “American Idol” continues as Season 9 debuts with an innovative twist known as the ‘Ohana Round. This season, the beloved talent competition takes contestants to Hawai‘i, specifically Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina. The ‘Ohana Round is part of a three-episode arc that follows the iconic Hollywood Week.
What is the ‘Ohana Round?
The ‘Ohana Round serves as a crucial and supportive segment of the competition. It is designed to create a nurturing environment where top performers can showcase their talent. This round combines peer respect, emotional support, and professional insight from notable industry experts.
Key Features of the ‘Ohana Round
- Featured performances by the top 30 contestants.
- Feedback from a panel of industry tastemakers.
- Opportunity for contestants to perform for family and friends.
- Only 20 contestants will progress to the next stage after this round.
Meet the Industry Tastemakers
This year’s ‘Ohana Round includes an impressive lineup of influencers and experts. The panel features individuals with nearly 149 million followers combined, offering contestants invaluable advice and insights:
- Kaniyia Brown & Terry McCaskill – Social Media Personalities
- Anthony Gargiula – Artist and Music Creator
- Loren Gray – Singer and Actress
- Shirley Halperin – Co-editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone
- Evan Ross Katz – Writer and Cultural Commentator
- Cheryl Porter – Vocal Coach and Singer
- Kelly Sutton – Country Music Personality
Season Premiere and Additional Details
“American Idol” Season 9 premieres on January 26. This season offers viewers an all-new night on ABC, with subsequent episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. The production team includes Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, with executive producers Megan Wolflick, Eli Holzman, and Aaron Saidman overseeing the show.
For continuous updates and insights, fans can follow “American Idol” via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Threads, and TikTok.
