Here's why American Idol season 22 won’t be airing a new episode tonight on ABC (March 10, 2024)

There's many talented American Idol hopefuls we've seen come through in the Auditions rounds, and are headed straight to Hollywood! We've also got two Platinum Ticket recipients already for the season - Odell Bunton Jr. and Abi Carter. I wonder who will take the third and final one?

Unfortunately, we're not going to see that happen this evening. That's because there will not be a new episode of American Idol season 22 tonight, March 10, 2024 on ABC. Even though we're still in the beginning of the season, we've already gotten used to having Idol on our screens on Sunday nights. But we'll have to wait until next Sunday, March 17, 2024, to see the next round of auditions.

So why is the competition series skipping a week? Why no new episode? That's because the 96th Oscars ceremony will be airing tonight instead. It's a real bummer to miss out on a new episode of American Idol 2024, but the awards show is an exciting event to see who of our favorite movies and stars get awarded the prestigious honor. I think Barbie star Margot Robbie and the film's director Greta Gerwig definitely got snubbed this year. But that's a different story.

The Academy Awards 2024 starts at 7 p.m. ET and will go on for about three and a half hours until 10 p.m. ET. This of course cuts into American Idol's timeslot of 8 p.m. ET to 10 p.m. ET. And by the time Oscars 2024 is finished, it will be too late to start an episode of Idol. Especially since the singing show is two hours long! And so, that means we'll have to wait until next week to see what comes next. Though if you are a fan of Abbott Elementary, a new episode will be airing right after the star-studded event, in addition to Wednesday's episode.

According to ABC, judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie will continue to share tidbits about themselves and where "their own dreams began" while we're in their hometowns. This will bring "heart, laughter, and antics" amidst the important audition screenings. And of course, host Ryan Seacrest is there along the way to guide us through and support the contestants. Hang in there, a new episode of American Idol season 22 will be back before we know it!

American Idol season 22 airs new episodes Sunday nights on ABC. Episodes are also available to stream on Hulu.