Season 24 of American Idol is introducing one of the most significant format changes the show has seen in years. After an intense Hollywood Week, where judges cut the field from 127 contestants down to just 30, the competition now moves into an entirely new phase: the Ohana Round.
Debuting for the first time this season, this round reshapes how contestants are evaluated and adds new voices to the decision-making process. The episode airing March 9 will showcase the Top 30 performing in Hawaii as they compete for a coveted place in the Top 20.
But the setting isn’t the only thing that’s different.
What Is the Ohana Round?
The Ohana Round is a brand-new stage in Season 24 that follows Hollywood Week. It gives the Top 30 contestants another opportunity to perform—this time in a setting designed to highlight emotion, connection, and audience reaction.
The name “Ohana” comes from Hawaiian culture and reflects the idea of family and community, a theme that plays directly into how the performances are judged.
According to showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, the round functions almost like a focus group, helping judges understand which contestants people naturally connect with.
Rather than relying solely on the judging panel, the show introduces additional perspectives to determine who stands out the most.
By the end of the round, ten contestants will be eliminated, leaving only twenty artists to continue their journey.
Who Votes During the Ohana Round?
While the judging panel—Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—still offers feedback and guidance, the final decisions in this round are influenced by three different voting groups.
1. Fellow Contestants
The Top 30 singers themselves get a voice in the process. Watching each other perform throughout the competition gives them unique insight into who truly stands out.
2. Family and Friends
Each contestant has two loved ones present who can vote for their favorite performance. This group adds an emotional perspective, reflecting how performances resonate with close supporters.
3. Industry Tastemakers
A panel of music professionals and entertainment insiders also weighs in. Their votes represent the viewpoint of people who understand the business side of music and artist development.
The industry group includes:
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Kaniyia Brown and Terry McCaskill (social media creators)
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Sasha Farber (dancer and choreographer)
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Anthony Gargiula (musician and content creator)
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Loren Gray (singer and actress)
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Shirley Halperin (co-editor-in-chief at Rolling Stone)
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Cheryl Porter (vocal coach and singer)
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Kelly Sutton (country music personality and announcer at the Grand Ole Opry)
These industry voices add a new layer of scrutiny, as contestants must impress not just the judges but also professionals who work across different corners of the music world.
The Return of the Platinum Ticket—With a Twist
Another surprising element of the Ohana Round is the return of the Platinum Ticket.
In past seasons, the Platinum Ticket was awarded during auditions and allowed select contestants to skip the first round of Hollywood Week.
This season, the tickets appear again—but they’re awarded differently.
Each of the three voting groups chooses their favorite performer, and those contestants receive a Platinum Ticket. Exactly what advantage the tickets provide later in the competition hasn’t been fully revealed yet, adding another layer of intrigue.
Why Hawaii Is Still Part of the Competition
The Ohana Round takes place at the luxurious Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
Since Season 20, American Idol has made Hawaii a recurring stop in the competition. However, the format has evolved over the years.
In previous seasons:
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The Top 24 performed in Hawaii with only a few eliminations.
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Season 21 featured 26 contestants, narrowing to 20.
Season 24 changes the structure again. The Top 30 perform first, and the field is reduced to 20 contestants before the next round begins.
Those surviving artists will remain in Hawaii to perform again before the judges decide which singers advance to the Live Shows.
Why the Ohana Round Matters
The Ohana Round isn’t just a scenic stop in the competition—it’s a critical turning point.
It determines which contestants move beyond the early stages and enter the phase where the competition becomes more serious, more public, and more intense.
For the singers, it’s an opportunity to prove three things at once:
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That they can captivate an audience
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That they can impress industry professionals
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And that they have the potential to connect with viewers at home
Only 20 contestants will leave Hawaii with their dreams intact, bringing them one step closer to becoming the next American Idol.
