Carrie Underwood Inspires ‘Unprecedented Move’ as American Idol Takes Hollywood Week to Nashville .m

American Idol is preparing for a major change in its upcoming 24th season — one that alters one of the show’s most iconic traditions. For the first time in the competition’s history, the famed Hollywood Week will not take place in Los Angeles. Instead, the show is relocating the segment to Nashville, Tennessee — also known as Music City.

A production insider revealed that Hollywood Week will be filmed at Belmont University’s Fisher Center, marking a symbolic shift for the long-running series.

“They’re going to be calling it ‘Hollywood Week in Music City,’” the source shared. “It’s an unprecedented move, but execs think it will pay off and be a fun change to a storied tradition.”

From Hollywood to Music City

Traditionally, Hollywood Week has been held in Los Angeles theaters, including the historic Orpheum Theatre — a venue that holds sentimental value, especially for Carrie Underwood. When Underwood competed in 2005, the Orpheum became the first major stage she performed on in front of a live audience. She went on to win the competition and rise to global stardom.

This season, however, the show’s partnership with Belmont University has opened the door to a fresh backdrop. The university — located in the heart of Nashville’s rich music community — hosted auditions earlier this year and even offered special virtual audition opportunities to its students.

Why Nashville — and Why Now?

The decision is said to be partly inspired by the show’s country music legacy and the strong Nashville ties of stars like Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. Underwood lives near the city and remains a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry, while Bryan cemented his career in local venues before finding mainstream success.

By moving a key segment to Nashville, producers hope to embrace the city’s vibrant music scene and introduce a new tone to one of the show’s most intense stages of the competition.

A Fresh Take on a Fan-Favorite Milestone

Hollywood Week has long been considered one of the most challenging parts of the competition, where contestants face rapid eliminations, high-pressure group numbers, and their first taste of the industry’s demands. While the format is expected to continue, the new setting promises a refreshed atmosphere that blends tradition with modern energy.

Season 24 of American Idol is currently in production and is expected to premiere next spring. With Nashville now in the spotlight, fans are eager to see how this bold creative shift will shape the journey for the next generation of talent.

One thing is certain — the road to stardom no longer begins in Hollywood alone.