A reality TV singing competition, 'American Idol' is one among the longest running singing competitions. It premiered first in 2002 and was produced by Simon Fuller. Airing continuously for 15 seasons, the show was later canceled for two years and in 2018 it returned for season 16 on ABC. With the 17th season premiering on March 3, the series features contestants from the age of 15-28 participate and compete for a chance to win the title. Joining the judging panel this year again are Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. The show is hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Starting off with the auditions, the contestants are then judged and narrowed down to the top 20. The panel of judges then critiques the contestant's performances as they advance to each round. The winner will be decided by America by voting either via their phones, internet or SMS. The winner of the season will receive a recording contract along with the title of American Idol and a grand prize also.
‘American Idol’ winner Jamal Roberts reveals new single has a special meaning that hits close to home
Recently, Jamal Roberts, the winner of 'American Idol' Season 23, turned down a key to the city of Laurel, Mississippi
Jul 28, 2025
This pop star grew up watching ‘American Idol’ but still turned down the judge's chair — and here's why
The musical genius was honored to be offered the opportunity, but had to turn it down for an unexpected reason
Jul 28, 2025
Lionel Richie was moved to tears by 17-year-old blind teen’s 'American Idol' audition — and you might too
Just a year after going legally blind, Shayy Winn wowed everyone with her powerful ‘American Idol’ Season 17 audition
Jul 27, 2025
One forgot the lyrics, another stormed off — awkward ‘American Idol’ duo left Luke Bryan shaking his head
Scarlet Ayliz and Douglas Mills Jr. called themselves 'Mixed Match,' but their duet proved they were mismatched for real
Jul 27, 2025
Luke Bryan faints after meeting ‘American Idol’ contestant who looks just like Megan Fox — you'll see it too
Luke Bryan couldn't stop blushing thanks to this gorgeous 'American Idol' contestant who looked like 'Megan Fox'
Jul 26, 2025
From background checks to dating bans, here are the bizarre rules ‘American Idol’ contestants must obey
'American Idol' contestants must follow one bizzare rule before auditioning – and many other throughout the show!
Jul 26, 2025
‘American Idol’ contestant reveals the show made her ‘so mad’ with request involving legendary grandmom
Emmy Russell shares why a tribute to her famous late grandmother on ‘American Idol’ made her feel angry and conflicted
Jul 26, 2025
After losing his dad, Hawaiian singer nearly quit music — but ‘American Idol’ helped him find his way back
‘American Idol’ Season 21 winner Iam Tongi reveals how show helped him gain confidence amid dramatic 115-pound weight loss
Jul 26, 2025
Shy contestant thought she wasn’t ‘pretty enough’ for ‘American Idol’ — until judges heard her voice
This ‘American Idol’ Season 23 contestant nearly skipped auditions, but we're so glad she didn't
Jul 25, 2025
YIKES! ‘American Idol’ winner says Ryan Seacrest accidentally revealed her win before the big announcement
'American Idol' winner knew she was going to win before announcement because of a goof-up made by host Ryan Seacrest!
Jul 24, 2025
Just days after welcoming her first baby, 'American Idol' contestant mourns heartbreaking death
Country singer Lauren Alaina recently shared the heartbreaking news about the passing of her cousin, Holly, who died at the age of 41.
Jul 23, 2025
Homeless man slept on park benches while chasing his dream — then stunned the judges on ‘American Idol’
"It hasn't been great," said the 'American Idol' contestant while talking about his struggles
Jul 23, 2025
17-year-old ‘American Idol’ contestant reveals he nearly skipped audition — but for a wholesome reason
Unlike most contestants who line up to audition, Canaan James Hill was handpicked for 'American Idol' Season 23, but he still hesitated
Jul 23, 2025
‘American Idol’ judges rejected this 14-year-old singer — but gave him something more valuable than a yes
For the unversed, ‘American Idol’ contestants must be between 15 and 29 years old at the time of their audition
Jul 22, 2025
After being told she might never have kids, ‘American Idol’ contestant shares heartwarming news
Despite winning the ‘American Idol’ Season 18, Samantha Diaz had no work for months, eventually returning to busking in NYC
Jul 21, 2025
‘American Idol’ contestant walked in hoping for a golden ticket — but found her biological family instead
The birth mom was also a singer, but she was diagnosed with terminal lupus. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to raise her baby, she gave her up for adoption.
Jul 16, 2025
‘American Idol’ alum reveals harsh truth behind the show — calls experience ‘miserable and traumatic’
'American Idol' season 7 finalist recalls the show treating contestants like “powerless little bugs”
Jul 15, 2025
Carrie Underwood tears up after ‘American Idol’ contestant’s touching song for brother with brain damage
"We felt your heart," said an emotional Carrie Underwood while lauding an 'American Idol' contestant
Jul 15, 2025
‘American Idol’ alum shares heartbreaking news — reveals he lost both his grandmothers on the same day
"My heart is absolutely broken," wrote the 'American Idol' winner in an devastating Instagram post
Jul 14, 2025
'American Idol' gives single mom second chance after emotional comeback performance moves judges to tears
"We told you to go away, and you have come back in here with a completely different mindset," Luke Bryan reacted.
Jul 13, 2025