As the excitement builds towards the May 18 finale, American Idol is set to crown its 23rd winner, with just seven finalists remaining. The iconic singing competition, which debuted in 2002 with judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson, has become a staple in pop culture, celebrating a remarkable 20 years of discovering talent.
This season has been particularly special, marking a full-circle moment as season 4 winner Carrie Underwood returned to the show as a judge. Underwood, who launched her successful career on American Idol, has received an enthusiastic response from fans eager for her to continue in this role. "Please make sure Carrie is a judge next season! She is super fun!!" one Instagram user commented, reflecting the sentiment of many viewers.
On May 9, 2025, American Idol announced it will return for a 24th season on ABC in 2026, with online auditions already open. This announcement came just days before the highly anticipated Disney Week, which kicks off on May 11, featuring two nights of Disney-themed performances. Notably, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the acclaimed creator of Hamilton and Moana, will mentor the contestants during these performances, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Last week’s episode saw Mattie Pruitt and Josh King in the bottom two after performing songs chosen by judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Underwood. Ultimately, the judges chose to send Pruitt, the season's youngest competitor at just 16 years old, to the Top 7, marking the end of the road for King. Pruitt will now join fellow contestants Slater Nalley, Thunderstorm Artis, Gabby Samone, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, and John Foster in the next round.
As the season progresses, fans are left wondering about the future of the judging panel. While Underwood has made a significant impact in her debut season, there are whispers of her struggles with providing feedback to contestants. "She has already spoken candidly about struggling to criticize the contestants’ performances," raising questions about her potential return next season.
In addition to the ongoing season, the network has revealed its commitment to the show by renewing American Idol for its ninth season on ABC, which will also be its 24th overall season, including its time on Fox. This renewal comes amidst a broader announcement from ABC, which has picked up several unscripted series for the 2025-2026 season, including America’s Funniest Home Videos, Celebrity Jeopardy!, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and Shark Tank.
The renewal of American Idol signifies its enduring popularity, with the show remaining a key player in ABC's lineup. The series continues to attract impressive viewership, with the April 27 episode, which featured guest mentor James Taylor, garnering an average of 5.31 million viewers and a 0.53 rating among adults aged 18-49, making it the top entertainment program in its time slot.
As the show gears up for its finale, the anticipation is palpable. Viewers are eager to see who will take home the coveted title and how the judges will evolve in their roles moving forward. The season finale on May 18 promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable season.
In the meantime, the fate of the judging panel remains uncertain. While Underwood has brought a fresh perspective to the show, fans are left hoping for confirmations regarding her return alongside Bryan and Richie. The network has yet to make any official announcements about the judging lineup for the upcoming season.
As American Idol continues its journey, it remains a vital platform for aspiring artists, showcasing their talent and dreams to millions of viewers. With its rich history and a promising future, the show is set to continue captivating audiences for years to come.
