Nashville-based singer-songwriter Genevieve Heyward, a former Door County music scene regular, is set to compete on Season 24 of the long-running television singing competition American Idol. Heyward shared the news on her Instagram page on January 1, announcing her participation on the show, which premieres later this season on ABC.

Heyward, a 2017 graduate of Lake Geneva’s Badger High School, built her early career performing across Wisconsin, including at Steel Bridge Songfest in Sturgeon Bay and the Mile of Music Festival in Appleton, as well as Summerfest in Milwaukee.

After relocating to Nashville, she has become known on the indie-pop and singer-songwriter circuit, releasing her Sprinkles EP in 2025 and earning local acclaim for her strong vocals and engaging stage presence.

Local supporters here have taken to social media celebrating her American Idol journey, with friends and alumni alike cheering her on as she takes the next step in her musical career.

The show’s 24th season returns with judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood, and will showcase hopefuls like Heyward vying for a recording contract and national recognition.