Mississippi has seen plenty of success on “American Idol” as of late, and now, it’s time for the next aspiring stars from the Magnolia State to step up and see if they have what it takes.
The hit ABC singing competition was recently renewed for a 25th season. With the renewal, “Idol” announced an audition call across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., called “Idol Across America.”
Auditions begin Tuesday, Aug. 25, for the first 250 registrants. Then, each state will have a date dedicated to virtual auditions with producers. Throughout the “live virtual search for the next superstar,” there will also be dates reserved for regional and nationwide open calls.
“Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an ‘American Idol’ producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to judge auditions,” a press release from ABC said.
When are ‘American Idol’ auditions for Mississippians?
The date scheduled for Mississippians to audition for “American Idol” Season 25 is Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Singers can reserve a time slot for their virtual audition by clicking here.
For those who can’t make Sept. 23 happen, a regional open call for singers in the South is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31. Nationwide open calls are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, and Friday, Sept. 28.
AUDITION TIME! 🎤 Register now to sing for an #americanidol producer if you were born between June 2, 1997 – Feb 15, 2012! pic.twitter.com/nyh9TuyWZZ
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) July 29, 2026
Eligibility requirements for ‘American Idol’
The following requirements have been released for those auditioning for “American Idol” Season 25:
- Must be between 15 and 28 years old by Feb. 15, 2027. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian assist with registration and be present for auditions.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be able to participate in the competition for its duration, which usually begins several months before the show airs.
- Must disclose any contract agreements at the time of the audition.
For a full list of requirements, click here.
When is ‘American Idol’ Season 25?
While “American Idol” has been renewed for a 25th season and is confirmed to premiere in 2027, a specific premiere date has not yet been announced.
The renewal announcement noted that all episodes will air on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. Once live shows begin, episodes will also stream on Disney+.
Season 24 began airing auditions in late January 2026 and wrapped up in mid-May. The show moved to a Monday-only format, drawing its biggest season premiere in four years with 6.22 million total viewers. According to ABC, the finale was the top reality episode in primetime year-to-date in 2026, earning 3.2 million interactions.
Mississippians succeeding on ‘American Idol’
Mississippi singers have a history of success on “American Idol” in recent years.
Two seasons ago, Meridian native Jamal Roberts became the first Mississippian since Amory’s Trent Harmon in 2016 to win the competition. Last season, Moss Point-born teacher Daniel Stallworth advanced to the Top 7 before being eliminated.
In season 22, Starkville’s Jennifer Jeffries advanced to the Top 20, while in season 21, Monroe County’s Colin Stough and Zachariah Smith both advanced to the Top 5. Season 19 saw Jackson State alumnus Deshawn Goncalves reach the Top 10.