Belmont University announced this weekend that a portion of “American Idol’s” 24th season overall and ninth season on ABC will be filmed on the Nashville campus and a special audition will be offered to aspiring Belmont artists. Located in the heart of Music City, Belmont is nationally recognized for its music and music business programs, making it an ideal pipeline for rising new talent. Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts will host “American Idol” for a portion of Season 24 taped auditions, which debuts in the spring of 2026 on ABC and Hulu.
No stranger to talent spotlights, Belmont boasts numerous alumni who competed previously on the “American Idol” stage, including Walker Burroughs who advanced to the top eight on Season 17, Melinda Doolittle who was a third-place finalist on Season 6 and Kimberly Locke who finished third in Season 2. In addition, 2024 found six current students make it to the acclaimed show’s Hollywood Week round.
The episodes to be filmed in Nashville will also benefit from the University’s commitment to creating world-class stages that serve both its nearly 9,000 students and the broader community. The Fisher Center boasts 1,700 seats and has hosted national debuts ranging from the 49-show world premiere of “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” to prestigious local arts performances from the Nashville Opera and Nashville Ballet that showcase the talent within Music City, USA.
“We’re proud to partner with Belmont University, a school that shares our passion for discovering and celebrating musical talent." said American Idol Exec Producer/ Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick. "With so many Belmont auditions through the years, this collaboration feels like a natural fit.”
University President Dr. Greg Jones added, “We’re honored to welcome “American Idol” to Belmont and showcase the Fisher Center, which we consider the largest classroom on campus. This opportunity is a reflection of our reputation as a place where talent thrives, and our students have access to once-in-a-lifetime moments like this in which the classroom and real-world experience intersect.”
In addition, students will also be invited to partake in the excitement as select tapings will feature a live audience which Belmont students will have the chance to attend and hopefully cheer on fellow Bruins.
Fisher Center Managing Director Gage Baxter said, “We’re thrilled to be part of the upcoming season of “American Idol,” to provide excellent Nashville hospitality and to have a front-row seat to the action. The Fisher Center is home to a variety of events and productions — both student-led and internationally renowned. It was a natural fit to connect an esteemed talent search show with a place known for hosting and fostering amazing talent.”
Other large-scale television tapings to hit the Fisher Center stage include “CMA Country Christmas” and “CMT Giants.”
The impact of the “American Idol” presence goes beyond the Fisher Center. In terms of economic development, it is a win for the city of Nashville. Hundreds of production teams, contenders and their families will occupy an estimated 2,755 hotel rooms during the length of the taping.
“American Idol” is now accepting “Idol Across America” virtual auditions through mid-September at americanidol.com/auditions.