When is the American Idol finale going to air on ABC? (2023)
* Click here to see who from the Top 5 made it into the Top 3 *
The American Idol competition can certainly be brutal with big cuts to narrow down the contestants and get the ultimate winner. But along that journey this season, the show has certainly been pretty kind and continues to surprise us.
In Hollywood Week, we all thought judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Perry were going to pick the Top 24. But with so much talent, the list just couldn’t be narrowed down! And so, this season featured the Top 26. Then on the May 1 episode, in the last moments there was a surprise save and instead of the Top 7, the Top 8 was revealed.
The 2023 season of the ABC series is turning out to be one of the best, and we can’t wait to find out who takes home the coveted title! On May 7, there’s an exciting episode with guest celebrity judges Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran stepping in for Katy and Lionel since they will be at King Charles III’s coronation ceremony. And the Top 8 will become the Top 5.
That last nerve-wrecking, nail biting, exciting last episode is almost upon us. So when is it? We’ve got the answer for you below!
When is the American Idol finale 2023?
The 2023 American Idol finale airs Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The Top 3 contestants will perform for the final time as they count on our votes at home during the live, three-hour episode to decide who’s going to become the next American Idol. The anticipation and excitement is definitely on! Who are you cheering for this season?
And while we will finally find out who takes home the title, the good news is that we already know the show is coming back next year in 2024! American Idol has been renewed by ABC.
Who is performing on the American Idol 2023 finale?
The finale will have star-studded performances from “music legends” and “today’s top artists,” per the synopsis. One artist returning to the series is Keith Urban, who served as a judge from seasons 12 to 15. He will also be mentoring the Top 3. Who else joins him? Check out the list below:
- Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard
- Ellie Goulding
- James Blunt
- Jazmine Sullivan
- Jelly Roll
- Keith Urban (also mentoring Top 3)
- Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon
- Kylie Minogue
- Lainey Wilson
- Lauren Daigle
- Pitbull
- TLC
- Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan
- The 2023 season’s Top 12 return for a performance
Is American Idol coming back in 2024? (Has American Idol been renewed?)
The answer is, yes! American Idol is officially coming back next year. We can expect season 22 to premiere sometime in the midseason schedule, which would be January-March 2023. We’ll keep you updated on an official premiere date!
The 2023 American Idol finale airs Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.