What Time Is The ‘American Idol' Season 23 Finale? How To Watch The Top 3
The moment American Idol fans have been waiting for is finally here. Tonight, May 18, the beloved singing competition will crown its Season 23 winner. Here's everything to know about the star-studded finale, including the start time, performers, contestants, and more.
During the May 12 episode, which marked the second Disney Night, the Top 5 contestants performed two songs from Disney and Pixar films under the mentorship of Oscar-nominated songwriter and Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The group was narrowed down to three, as fans had to say goodbye to Thunderstorm Artis, a 29-year-old musician from Haleiwa, Hawaii, and Slater Nalley, an 18-year-old high school student from Atlanta.
The Top 3 finalists heading into the American Idol Season 23 finale are John Foster (18), Breanna Nix (25), and Jamal Roberts (27). Before they take the stage one last time, each will return home for a special visit.
'They're going to be in their hometowns, dealing with every person in the world that they've ever met,' judge Carrie Underwood teased to TV Insider. The former Idol winner continued, 'They're going to be there with a lot of people that they don't know, too, all the while thinking about what they're going to perform for the finale. There are group numbers and people showing up. There's all that stuff to deal with along with the nerves and the stress.'
Here's what time to watch, where to tune in, how to vote for your favorite contestants, and more.
AMERICAN IDOL "817 (Disney Night #1)" - "Disney Night" celebrates Mother's Day with special guest ... More Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 7 travel to Disneyland Resort and light up the stage with Disney classics as America votes live for the five moving forward in the competition. SUNDAY, MAY 11 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT/7:00-9:01 p.m. CDT/6:00-8:01 p.m. MDT/5:00-7:01 p.m. PDT), on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) BREANNA NIX (Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images)
The American Idol Season 23 finale airs Sunday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ABC.
AMERICAN IDOL - "818 (Disney Night #2)" "Disney Night" continues with heroes, villains and a special ... More appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 5 travel to Disneyland Resort and perform twice as America votes live for the three heading to the finale. MONDAY, MAY 12 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) LIONEL RICHIE, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, LUKE BRYAN (Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images)
Underwood and fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will sing during the finale. The night will also feature performances by the Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jessica Simpson, Jelly Roll, Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, Jennifer Holliday, Josh Groban, Brandon Lake, Myles Smith, and Kirk Franklin.
AMERICAN IDOL - "818 (Disney Night #2)" "Disney Night" continues with heroes, villains and a special ... More appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 5 travel to Disneyland Resort and perform twice as America votes live for the three heading to the finale. MONDAY, MAY 12 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) JAMAL ROBERTS (Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images)
The Season 23 finale of American Idol is airing on ABC. If you don't have cable, you can watch the singing competition on a live TV streaming service that offers ABC, including DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, and Fubo – all of which currently offer free trials.
The American Idol finale will be available to stream on Hulu starting on Monday, May 19, one day after the broadcast airs on ABC. The streaming service currently offers a 30-day free trial. After the trial period ends, Hulu plans start at $9.99 per month or $99 a year.
AMERICAN IDOL - "818 (Disney Night #2)" "Disney Night" continues with heroes, villains and a special ... More appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 5 travel to Disneyland Resort and perform twice as America votes live for the three heading to the finale. MONDAY, MAY 12 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) JOHN FOSTER (Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images)
There are only three ways to vote for the American Idol Season 23 champion, according to ABC. (Note: With all three voting options, you can cast up to 10 votes for each contestant.)
1. Visit AmericanIdol.com/Vote
2. Download the American Idol app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store
3. Text your favorite contestant's unique contestant number you see on screen to 21523.
"American Idol" Season 4 - Winner, Carrie Underwood, 21, from Checotah, Oklahoma (Photo by Ray ... More Mickshaw/WireImage)
Who has won the long-running singing competition in the past? Check out the full list of American Idol winners from Season 1 to now, below.
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