'AMERICAN IDOL' SEASON 9 INTRODUCES NEW 'OHANA ROUND

New Season Premieres Monday, Jan. 26, on ABC and Next Day on Hulu

This season, "American Idol" will introduce a new round of competition featuring a stellar lineup of industry tastemakers, adding a fresh element when the show heads to Hawai'i for the brand-new 'Ohana Round. Filmed at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, a three-episode arc follows the iconic Hollywood Week, with the brand-new 'Ohana Round featured as one of those episodes, offering hopefuls a distinct moment in the competition. Designed as the ultimate focus group, the 'Ohana Round blends peer respect, emotional support and professional insight before the competition moves on to America's Vote.

In this new round, the top 30 hopefuls will perform for industry tastemakers - who collectively reach nearly 149 million followers - including Kaniyia Brown & Terry McCaskill (social media personality duo), Anthony Gargiula (artist and music creator), Loren Gray (singer and actress), Shirley Halperin (co-editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone), Evan Ross Katz (writer, podcast host and cultural commentator), Cheryl Porter (singer and vocal coach phenomenon), and Kelly Sutton (country music personality and Grand Ole Opry announcer) - as well as their peers, family members and friends. By the end of the 'Ohana Round, only 20 contestants will advance in the competition.

"American Idol" returns Jan. 26 on an all-new night on ABC, with episodes streaming next day on Hulu.

About "American Idol"

"American Idol" is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.

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