Unpacking All Of The Must-Know Details About The Season 24 Finale Of American Idol
Season 24 of American Idol premiered on January 26, 2026. This season has featured returning judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, plus longtime host Ryan Seacrest.
After a series of exciting and emotional auditions, Idol transitioned into Hollywood Week. The show switched things up this season by moving Hollywood Week to Nashville, deeming it the “Music City Takeover.”
From there, the singers traveled to Hawaii for one last round of pre-taped performances before the live shows started. Another change was introduced at that stage, as Idol implemented a new “social voting” process.
For the first time ever, fans can vote for their favorite contestants on social media. You cast your votes by leaving a comment with a contestant’s name on Idol‘s pinned voting post on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. You can cast up to 10 votes per contestant, per platform.
You can also vote via text or online at AmericanIdol.com/Vote.
Now, with the season nearing its end, we’ve listed five important things Idol fans need to know about Season 24’s finale. Check out your essential viewing guide below!
When Is The Season 24 Finale Of American Idol?
At the time of this writing, the finale for Season 24 of American Idol is less than a week away. The finale will air on Monday, May 11.
How Can I Watch The American Idol Finale?
Just like every episode of Idol this year, the season finale will air on ABC. You can catch the finale live at 8 PM Eastern Time (or 7 PM Central Time).
The episode will be available to stream on Hulu the following day (Tuesday, May 12).
How Long Will The Finale Be?
According to a report from Deadline, the Season 24 finale of American Idol will be three hours long!
That’s an hour longer than most episodes. But it makes sense, because the finale will be jam-packed with performances from the finalists, judges, and special guests. Plus, they need plenty of time to reveal the results!
Are Any Special Guests Performing During The Finale?
The answer is…yes!
On April 22, Idol confirmed that superstar artist Alicia Keys will perform during the finale. She’ll also serve as a mentor to the Top 3 contestants as they prepare for their final performances.
Then, on April 26, we learned that eliminated contestants Kyndal Inskeep and Lucas Leon are returning to sing during the finale.
Inskeep will perform an original song, while Leon will join forces with Brad Paisley. Paisley previously served as a mentor to Season 24’s contestants while they rehearsed for their performances in Hawaii this year.
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We’ve since learned that Blues Traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown, Tori Kelly, and Mötley Crüe will perform during the finale. Idol also confirmed that Richie, Bryan, and Underwood will take to the stage as well.
Who Are The Top 3 Contestants On Season 24 Of American Idol?
The Top 3 contestants were revealed during on Monday, May 4!
America voted for Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson, and Jordan McCullough to join that exclusive group!
All three finalists will perform during the finale on May 11. Then, at the end of the episode, we’ll learn which one of them is this year’s “Idol.”
Who do you think should win this year?
