AMERICAN IDOL – “915 (Class of 2006: Reunion / Idol X DWTS)” – At the “American Idol” 20th high school reunion, fan-favorite Idols from the class of 2006, along with special guests, return as “Dancing with the Stars” pros bring some ballroom flair to the celebration, while America votes live for the Top 3. MONDAY, MAY 4 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) JORDAN MCCULLOUGH, HANNAH HARPER, KEYLA RICHARDSON (Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)
Disney via Getty Images
The latest season of American Idol is officially coming to an end. Tonight, May 11, the long-running singing competition will crown its newest winner during a star-studded live finale featuring celebrity guests, memorable musical moments and performances from the finalists and judges.
During the May 4 episode, American Idol hosted a “Class of 2006 Reunion” celebrating the 20th anniversary of Season 5. The special featured the return of former contestants Paris Bennett, Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin, Bucky Covington and Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. Original judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul also made appearances, mentoring the Top 5 contestants, while Abdul joined Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie at the judges’ table as a guest judge.
The episode also narrowed the competition from the Top 5 down to the Top 3 finalists. Hannah Harper (26), Jordan McCullough (27) and Keyla Richardson (29) were declared safe and will now compete for the chance to become the next American Idol winner. Unfortunately, Chris Tungseth (27) and Braden Rumfelt (23) were eliminated at the end of the night.
Here’s everything viewers need to know about the finale, including the start time, where to tune in, how to vote for their favorite contestants and more.
What Time Is The American Idol Season 24 Finale?
AMERICAN IDOL – “915 (Class of 2006: Reunion / Idol X DWTS)” – At the “American Idol” 20th high school reunion, fan-favorite Idols from the class of 2006, along with special guests, return as “Dancing with the Stars” pros bring some ballroom flair to the celebration, while America votes live for the Top 3. MONDAY, MAY 4 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) CARRIE UNDERWOOD, LIONEL RICHIE, JORDAN MCCULLOUGH, HANNAH HARPER, KEYLA RICHARDSON, RYAN SEACREST, LUKE BRYAN (Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)
Disney via Getty Images
The American Idol 2026 finale airs Monday, May 11, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ABC and Disney+. The musical event is scheduled to last three hours, with the winner expected to be announced around 11 p.m. ET.
Who’s Performing During The American Idol Season 24 Finale?
TODAY — Pictured: Alicia Keys on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 — (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
The supersized American Idol finale will include performances from judges Underwood, Bryan and Richie. Ahead of the finale, People reported that the trio is set to perform Richie’s “Deep River Woman” together. Bryan will also take the stage solo for his new track “Fish Hunt Golf Drink” before later joining finalist Julián Kalel for a performance of “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere” by Dwight Yoakam. Additionally, Underwood will sing with the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe.
Guest mentor Alicia Keys will also perform during the finale. Additional artists slated to appear include Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly.
How To Watch The American Idol Season 24 Finale
AMERICAN IDOL – “915 (Class of 2006: Reunion / Idol X DWTS)” – At the “American Idol” 20th high school reunion, fan-favorite Idols from the class of 2006, along with special guests, return as “Dancing with the Stars” pros bring some ballroom flair to the celebration, while America votes live for the Top 3. MONDAY, MAY 4 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) RYAN SEACREST, HANNAH HARPER (Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)
Disney via Getty Images
The American Idol Season 24 finale will air live on ABC. If you don’t have cable, you can watch ABC via a live TV streaming service that carries the network, including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream and FuboTV, all of which offer free trials.
How To Watch American Idol On Streaming
The finale will also stream live on Disney+ with a subscription. Memberships start at $11.99 per month for the Basic plan with ads or $18.99 per month for Disney+ Premium without ads. Subscribers can also bundle Disney+ with Hulu, ESPN+, and more. Unfortunately, Disney+ is not currently offering a free trial.
If you don’t mind waiting an extra day, the American Idol Season 24 finale will also be available to stream on demand on ABC.com and Hulu the day after it airs. Hulu plans start at $11.99 per month, with pricing increasing depending on the plan or bundle selected.
How To Vote In The American Idol Season 24 Finale
AMERICAN IDOL – “915 (Class of 2006: Reunion / Idol X DWTS)” – At the “American Idol” 20th high school reunion, fan-favorite Idols from the class of 2006, along with special guests, return as “Dancing with the Stars” pros bring some ballroom flair to the celebration, while America votes live for the Top 3. MONDAY, MAY 4 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) RYAN SEACREST (Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)
Disney via Getty Images
There are three ways to vote for the next American Idol winner, including a brand-new voting method: the social vote. The show also announced this season that it will no longer use the American Idol app. Here are the three ways to vote:
- Website: Visit AmericanIdol.com/Vote
- Social: Comment the first name of the finalist you want to vote for on the pinned official voting post on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok when voting is open
- SMS: Text your favorite contestant’s unique contestant number, which will appear on screen, to 21523
Viewers can submit up to 10 votes for each remaining finalist per voting method.
Who Are All The American Idol Winners?
AMERICAN IDOL: “819 (Grand Finale)” – It’s the grand finale! The Top 3 give their final performances in a star-studded night with music legends and top stars. Then, this year’s “American Idol” winner is revealed live. SUNDAY, MAY 18 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) JAMAL ROBERTS (Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images)
Disney via Getty Images
Want to know who has taken home the title over the years? Take a look at the complete list of American Idol winners from Season 1 through today below.
- Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
- Season 2: Ruben Studdard
- Season 3: Fantasia Barrino
- Season 4: Carrie Underwood
- Season 5: Taylor Hicks
- Season 6: Jordin Sparks
- Season 7: David Cook
- Season 8: Kris Allen
- Season 9: Lee DeWyze
- Season 10: Scotty McCreery
- Season 11: Phillip Phillips
- Season 12: Candice Glover
- Season 13: Caleb Johnson
- Season 14: Nick Fradiani
- Season 15: Trent Harmon
- Season 16: Maddie Poppe
- Season 17: Laine Hardy
- Season 18: Just Sam (Samantha Diaz)
- Season 19: Chayce Beckham
- Season 20: Noah Thompson
- Season 21: Iam Tongi
- Season 22: Abi Carter
- Season 23: Jamal Roberts
- Season 24: TBA