American Idol voting 2023: How and when to vote for contestants

* Click here to see who made it into the Top 2 and who won American Idol season 21 *

When we reached the point of the American Idol competition where the Top 26 were in the tropical lands of Hawaii, that’s when voting at home opened for the first time this season. Up until then, the judges were the ones who decided who to put through to the next round.

Ever since, it has been up to us at home to determine who continues to move on in the ABC competition, and eventually be crowned the season 21 American Idol! Across the season, America has been letting its voice be heard which has led to a few shocking eliminations over the season as the competition field has been narrowed down little by little until only three contestants remain.

After weeks of competition, it all comes down to tonight as a new American Idol is crowned with one final vote standing between the three remaining contestants and the title of season 21 winner.

Do you need a breakdown of how it all works as you prepare to vote for the winner of the season? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Read on below for all the details!

American Idol voting 2023: How and when to vote for contestants

ABC provides three ways for viewers to vote – online through the show’s website, on the American Idol app, or through text. You’re allowed to cast a total of 10 votes through each for a total of 30 votes per contestant. Voters need to be at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands to vote online or through the app.

Voting opens once the broadcast of each episode begins, meaning the final voting of the season will kick off shortly after the finale begins at 8/7c on May 21, 2023.

How to vote on American Idol by text

If you’d prefer to vote for your faves through text, then all you have to do is send a message to “21523.” Each contestant has been assigned a number.

Tonight, May 21, a new winner will be crowned fans cast their final votes for one of the three remaining finalists. After last week’s eliminations, the three contestants left in the running are Colin Stough, Iam Tongi, and Megan Danielle.

Vote for the 2023 American Idol winner

• Colin Stough: text 6 to 21523
• Iam Tongi: text 12 to 21523 (winner)
• Megan Danielle: text 10 to to 21523

How to vote on American Idol online or on the app

Voting on the show’s website or app is also really easy to do. For both, you’ll need to either create or sign into your ABC account using an email address. Whether you’re doing it online or on the app, once you’re signed in you’ll see the option to vote during the time it’s open. All you have to do is click on the contestant you want to vote for and choose how many votes you want to give them (remember you can give each contestant up to 10 votes!). Then be sure to click the Save button for your votes to go through.

For more information head over to the American Idol voting FAQ page.