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.
She didn’t win ‘American Idol’, but this 19-year-old just landed one of Ryan Seacrest’s top hosting gigs
‘American Idol’ Season 21 finalist hosts Ryan Seacrest’s American Top 40, proving she’s just getting started
Jul 10, 2025
‘American Idol’ fan-favorite singer drops unexpected relationship update, and we're loving every bit of it
The Louisiana native John Foster has kept the tabloids busy with his career and personal moves
Jul 9, 2025
After winning ‘American Idol’, this elementary PE teacher honors his home state with a moving debut single
Since his victory in May 2025, Jamal Roberts has also recorded in Nashville and alluded to already recording a second track in Los Angeles this June.
Jul 9, 2025
Did we just spot an ‘American Idol’ judge on ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’? A&E show scores surprising cameo
There was a country music star cameo on the latest episode of ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’ that you might have totally missed
Jul 9, 2025
‘American Idol’ finalist looks unrecognizable as he makes massive comeback after 3-year hiatus
"It’s been 3 years, but the wait is finally over!" ‘American Idol’ Season 5 alum said while announcing his return on social media
Jul 9, 2025
AJ McLean gushes over 'American Idol' star stepping out of musician dad’s shadow: 'He’s just beyond...'
"I mean, he’s got a catalog of probably three to 400 songs he’s written that are all insanely good," AJ McLean said.
Jul 9, 2025
Dolly Parton wants this 'American Idol' winner to cover her classic 1974 track — and we can't wait to hear it
“I think this is a sign I should cover a Dolly song at one of my shows…. but which song?” the former 'Idol' teased fans with an Instagram post.
Jul 9, 2025
'American Idol' star Jamal Roberts accepts another city key after rejecting one over death threats
"Thank you, Mayor Marco McClendon and West Memphis, for giving me a key to your city," Jamal Roberts said.
Jul 8, 2025
'Barbie' star Alexandra Shipp reveals she was told to stop singing during her awkward 'American Idol' audition
Alexandra Shipp auditioned for 'American Idol' but was stopped in the middle for her bad Whitney Houston cover!
Jul 8, 2025
Judges fall silent as paralyzed contestant delivers one of the most emotional ‘American Idol’ auditions yet
A 2025 ‘American Idol’ contestant inspired many souls with his gripping voice and a story that will push you through bad times.
Jul 8, 2025
‘American Idol’ alum performs special show for inmates—earns Jelly Roll’s praise for ‘spreading the love’
“We’re always excited to have opportunities like this come to the facility,” HCF Warden Shannon Cluney expressed.
Jul 8, 2025
Jamal Roberts made history as the first Black 'American Idol' winner—but did Netflix just hand him $13.5 M?
Roberts, who walked away with $225,000 cash and a recording contract with Hollywood Records, found massive success with his single 'Heal'.
Jul 8, 2025
Katy Perry says she 'felt threatened' by 17-year-old ‘American Idol’ contestant’s stunning audition
Katy Perry was "threatened" by 'younger' and 'prettier' American Idol contestant – says call plastic surgeon
Jul 7, 2025
'American Idol' winner postpones her Las Vegas show over 'devastating' reason: 'I need to protect...'
"I need to protect myself," said an 'American Idol' winner before postponing their much-awaited Las Vegas residency
Jul 7, 2025
Carrie Underwood might not return on 'American Idol' for another reason, despite loving her job
"At the end of the shoot day, she’s always totally drained from the highs and lows and just goes back to her hotel room to crash,” an insider said.
Jul 6, 2025
You'd be surprised to know a 'High School Musical' star almost auditioned for 'American Idol', we sure were
High School Musical star who almost auditioned for 'American Idol' calls Kelly Clarkson her "catalyst"
Jul 6, 2025
An ‘American Idol’ contestant faked a war injury — but it backfired spectacularly: ‘It was all...’
Even with a legacy of 23 seasons, 'American Idol' still failed to apologize for a major controversy and brushed it under the rug
Jul 5, 2025
Backstreet Boys singer admits he didn't want son to audition for ‘American Idol’ for one relatable reason
Dubbed as "nepo baby" throughout the season, the 22-year-old carried his father's name forward with his musical career
Jul 4, 2025
Hurricane Katrina survivor’s emotional ‘American Idol’ performance is the hope we’ve all been searching for
Mariah Carey couldn't stop crying like a baby after 'American Idol' Season 12 singer Burnell Taylor's audition
Jul 4, 2025
Homeless teen made it to ‘American Idol’ Top 5 — now he’s a dad at 17
“I never thought I’d be able to tell my story to American Idol, ever. It makes me happy just thinking about it," Triston Harper shared.
Jul 4, 2025