18-05-2025
America's search for its next 'Idol' ends May 18. How to watch the Season 23 finale
America's search for its next 'Idol' ends May 18. How to watch the Season 23 finale
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'American Idol' judges discuss working with Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood reflects on how "Idol" is different 20 years later while Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan discuss the judges' decision-making.
The search for the next "American Idol" will end tonight, and a winner will finally be chosen.
After back-to-back Disney-themed episodes, the judges and viewers at home whittled the competition down from seven to three by May 12. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Broadway legend behind "Hamilton," assisted the remaining contestants with their performances last week.
Breanna Nix, John Foster and Jamal Roberts, who made the Top 3, will be heading home for a special visit before their final performances. The Top 14 singers will perform alongside the trio for one last chance to dazzle the crowd, or risk fading into oblivion.
The finale will feature additional performances from a number of musical artists, including The Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jessica Simpson, Jelly Roll, Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, Jennifer Holliday, Josh Groban, Brandon Lake, Myles Smith and Kirk Franklin.
As if the lineup wasn't already jam-packed enough, "American Idol" judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie will also jump on stage for some time on the mic.
Wondering which of the three contestants will earn the title of "American Idol" winner? You have to tune in to find out.
Here's what to know about the "American Idol" Season 23 finale, including how to watch it.
'American Idol' reveals Top 3 contestants
The Top 3 contestants include:
Breanna Nix
John Foster
Jamal Roberts
Gabby Simone and Mattie Pruitt were the first contestants to be eliminated from the Top 7 on May 11, while Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley were spared until May 12.
How to watch 'American Idol' Season 23 finale
The "American Idol" finale airs Sunday, May 18 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC. The finale will also be available to stream on Hulu the next day.
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How to vote for the next 'American Idol'
There are three ways to vote for the next "American Idol," according to ABC:
On a supported web browser at
On the American Idol app Download on supported iOS devices from the Apple App Store Download on supported Android devices from the Google Play store
Or by SMS text*
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
'American Idol' winners list
A complete list of all "American Idol" winners can be found below.
Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson Season 2: Ruben Studdard
Ruben Studdard Season 3: Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino Season 4: Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood Season 5: Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks Season 6: Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks Season 7: David Cook
David Cook Season 8: Kris Allen
Kris Allen Season 9: Lee DeWyze
Lee DeWyze Season 10: Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery Season 11: Phillip Phillips
Phillip Phillips Season 12: Candice Glover
Candice Glover Season 13 : Caleb Johnson
: Caleb Johnson Season 14: Nick Fradiani
Nick Fradiani Season 15: Trent Harmon
Trent Harmon Season 16: Maddie Poppe
Maddie Poppe Season 17: Laine Hardy
Laine Hardy Season 18 : Just Sam (Samantha Diaz)
: Just Sam (Samantha Diaz) Season 19: Chayce Beckham
Chayce Beckham Season 20 : Noah Thompson
: Noah Thompson Season 21 : Iam Tongi
: Iam Tongi Season 22 : Abi Carter
: Abi Carter Season 23: TBD
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
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