America's search for its next 'Idol' ends May 18. How to watch the Season 23 finale
America's search for its next 'Idol' ends May 18. How to watch the Season 23 finale
Show Caption
Hide Caption
'American Idol' judges discuss working with Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood reflects on how "Idol" is different 20 years later while Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan discuss the judges' decision-making.
The search for the next "American Idol" will end tonight, and a winner will finally be chosen.
After back-to-back Disney-themed episodes, the judges and viewers at home whittled the competition down from seven to three by May 12. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Broadway legend behind "Hamilton," assisted the remaining contestants with their performances last week.
Breanna Nix, John Foster and Jamal Roberts, who made the Top 3, will be heading home for a special visit before their final performances. The Top 14 singers will perform alongside the trio for one last chance to dazzle the crowd, or risk fading into oblivion.
The finale will feature additional performances from a number of musical artists, including 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.
As if the lineup wasn't already jam-packed enough, "American Idol" judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie will also jump on stage for some time on the mic.
Wondering which of the three contestants will earn the title of "American Idol" winner? You have to tune in to find out.
Here's what to know about the "American Idol" Season 23 finale, including how to watch it.
'American Idol' reveals Top 3 contestants
The Top 3 contestants include:
Breanna Nix
John Foster
Jamal Roberts
Gabby Simone and Mattie Pruitt were the first contestants to be eliminated from the Top 7 on May 11, while Thunderstorm Artis and Slater Nalley were spared until May 12.
How to watch 'American Idol' Season 23 finale
The "American Idol" finale airs Sunday, May 18 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC. The finale will also be available to stream on Hulu the next day.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
How to vote for the next 'American Idol'
There are three ways to vote for the next "American Idol," according to ABC:
On a supported web browser at AmericanIdol.com/Vote
On the American Idol app Download on supported iOS devices from the Apple App Store Download on supported Android devices from the Google Play store
Or by SMS text*
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
'American Idol' winners list
A complete list of all "American Idol" winners can be found below.
Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson Season 2: Ruben Studdard
Ruben Studdard Season 3: Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino Season 4: Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood Season 5: Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks Season 6: Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks Season 7: David Cook
David Cook Season 8: Kris Allen
Kris Allen Season 9: Lee DeWyze
Lee DeWyze Season 10: Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery Season 11: Phillip Phillips
Phillip Phillips Season 12: Candice Glover
Candice Glover Season 13 : Caleb Johnson
: Caleb Johnson Season 14: Nick Fradiani
Nick Fradiani Season 15: Trent Harmon
Trent Harmon Season 16: Maddie Poppe
Maddie Poppe Season 17: Laine Hardy
Laine Hardy Season 18 : Just Sam (Samantha Diaz)
: Just Sam (Samantha Diaz) Season 19: Chayce Beckham
Chayce Beckham Season 20 : Noah Thompson
: Noah Thompson Season 21 : Iam Tongi
: Iam Tongi Season 22 : Abi Carter
: Abi Carter Season 23: TBD
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Tony Award predictions 2025: Audra McDonald vs. Nicole Scherzinger
Here comes a tense Tony's. Last year, many of the major winners were a cinch to predict. This time, well, the bars at Radio City Music Hall will be doing big business. Everybody's freaking out. Producers have been like pollsters the past two weeks, interrogating the 840 Tony voters about who they've chosen. 7 'Maybe Happy Ending,' starring Helen J. Shen and Darren Criss, will win Best Musical. Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman They've also put on their politician hats, hosting more down-to-the-wire cocktail parties than I've ever seen in a single season. 'It's insane,' one insider vented. And it's heated: Audra vs. Nicole; Groff vs. Criss; 'Oh, Mary!' vs. 'Purpose.' For viewers, that's a lot more fun than: 'Hamilton,' 'Hamilton,' 'Hamilton.' As for George Clooney, at least he has his millions and some Oscars to console him when he loses. Here's who I think goes home happy Sunday night. Best Musical: 'Maybe Happy Ending' It's the feel-good story of the year, and I don't mean the South Korean robo rom-com's heartwarming plot. 'Maybe Happy Ending' nearly didn't open on Broadway because of cash problems but, thanks to great reviews and euphoric word of mouth, the show has rebounded big time. Voters adore it. No other musical this season has won any lead-up trophies. And even 'Happy Ending''s glitzier competition — 'Death Becomes Her' and 'Buena Vista Social Club' — aren't exactly the 'Wicked' to its 'Avenue Q.' Definitely happy ending. Best Play: 'Oh, Mary!' There are three shows up for this award that are still running: Cole Escola's Mary Todd Lincoln farce 'Oh, Mary!,' Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' explosive drama about a black political dynasty 'Purpose,' and the high-school MeToo story 'John Proctor is the Villain.' Voters are most vocal about 'Oh, Mary!' and 'Purpose.' What's weird is that the scrappy, strange, downtown show, 'Mary,' is also the commercial juggernaut. With no A-list stars and a unique sense of humor, it regularly outgrosses most musicals. Plus, it's an organic, original hit that began here in New York. Audiences have bombarded it. In recent years, events tend to win. 7 Cole Escola's 'Oh, Mary!' has a great shot to win Best Play. AP A couple of stats. The Drama League has only got this category wrong twice in the past 25 years. They picked 'Oh, Mary!'. 'Purpose' won the Pulitzer, but the last time a Pulitzer winner for Best Play took the Tony was 'Clybourne Park' 14 years ago. Some Broadway insiders find the comedy in 'Oh, Mary!' slight, while others say 'Purpose' is too traditional. I loved both. And both could take it. 'I think 'Proctor' and 'Purpose' split the 'Oh, Mary!'-is-a-skit voters, and 'Oh, Mary!' wins,' said one voter. Best Revival of a Play: 'Eureka Day' 'Eureka Day' was only written in 2018, so it doesn't feel like a revival. It's hilarious Zoom scene sure ain't from 'All My Sons.' 7 'Eureka Day' is in a close race with 'Yellow Face.' Eureka Day But voters liked it a touch more than the older 'Yellow Face.' Best Revival of a Musical: 'Sunset Boulevard' A word about 'Gypsy': Many voters do not care for this production. They cannot stop whining about it. 7 'Sunset Boulevard' will win Best Revival of a Musical. Marc Brenner However, they admire-to-love director Jamie Lloyd's revitalized, reinvented staging of 'Sunset Boulevard,' and it wins handily. Andrew Lloyd Webber snags his first competitive Tony in more than 30 years. Best Actress in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger, 'Sunset Boulevard' The most exciting Tonys race of the night has been raging for nearly a year, since 'Gypsy' (starring Audra McDonald) and 'Sunset Boulevard' (starring Nicole Scherzinger) began handing out competing merch last summer in the Fire Island Pines: 'Sunset' totes at the pantry, 'Audra Gypsy' cups at the Blue Whale bar. 7 Nicole Scherzinger is in a tight race with Audra McDonald for Best Actress. Marc Brrenner Despite many fantastic reviews for six-time Tony winner McDonald as Rose, the industry itself is more divided on her performance than critics. However, many voters see Scherzinger as a revelation. You can't count Audra out, but smart insiders I've talked to say it's Nicole. Best Actor in a Musical: Darren Criss, 'Maybe Happy Ending' Last year's winner, Jonathan Groff, is exceptional as Bobby Darin in 'Just in Time.' But what gives me pause about his chances is that an actor in a show that's not nominated for Best Musical hasn't won this category since Barry Bostwick in 1977 for 'The Robber Bridegroom.' 7 Darren Criss leads 'Maybe Happy Ending.' Evan Agostini/Invision/AP And a musical performer hasn't won twice in a row since Gwen Verdon. Darin is a flashier part than Criss' android in 'Maybe Happy Ending' — however, many voters will want new blood. Criss by a hair. Best Actor in a Play: Cole Escola, 'Oh, Mary!' How hilarious that, in a year with Oscar winners George Clooney, Denzel Washington, and Robert Downey Jr., the absolutely-no-contest Best Actor winner is Cole Escola for 'Oh, Mary!' Best Actress in a Play: Sarah Snook, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' Sunday night will be a great success for the 'Succession' actress, who expertly plays 26 roles in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' 7 Sarah Snook might win her first Tony Award. Marc Brenner A few other categories: Michael Arden likely edges out Lloyd as Best Director of a Musical for 'Maybe Happy Ending' (there's always some anti-screen people). Sam Pinkleton probably wins Director of a Play for 'Oh, Mary!'. Natalie Venetia Belcon has a lot of support for her Featured Actress in a Musical turn in 'Buena Vista Social Club' And Featured Actor in a Musical goes to Jak Malone for 'Operation Mincemeat.'
Black America Web
an hour ago
- Black America Web
20 Famous Black Talk Show Hosts
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Talk shows have long been a staple of American television, offering a platform for entertainment, discussion, and cultural exchange. Over the years, numerous Black hosts have made indelible marks on the industry, bringing unique perspectives and voices to the forefront. From groundbreaking daytime programs to late-night innovations, these hosts have not only entertained but also educated and inspired audiences worldwide with their groundbreaking talent, opening doors for future generations. Meet Hazel Scott, the first Black woman to host a TV show. Hazel Scott, a trailblazing jazz pianist and vocalist, is widely recognized by historians as the first Black woman to host her own national television program in the United States. According to Women's History, more than just a performer, Scott was a fearless advocate for civil rights, standing up against the Hollywood studio system and testifying before the House Un-American Activities Committee during a time when doing so posed grave personal and professional risks. Her signature fusion of classical music with jazz rhythms captivated audiences across America and around the world. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1920, Scott moved to New York City in 1924 with her mother and grandmother following her parents' separation. She was the only child of R. Thomas Scott, a West African scholar, and Alma Long Scott, a classically trained pianist and accomplished saxophonist. Hazel's musical aptitude emerged early—by age three, she could play piano by ear, and she was known to vocally protest when her mother's students hit incorrect notes. Thanks to her mother's deep ties to the music world, Hazel was given a rare opportunity to audition for the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. She was accepted on a special waiver at the age of eight—a testament to her extraordinary talent. By her teenage years, Scott was already a fixture in New York's music scene. At 13, she joined her mother's band, Alma Long Scott's American Creolians. Two years later, she made her solo debut performing alongside Count Basie's orchestra at the Roseland Ballroom. Around the same time, she won a contest that earned her a spot on local radio and soon after made her Broadway debut in the 1938 revue ' Sing Out the News .' Despite her growing fame, Scott graduated from high school with honors. Her breakthrough came in 1939 during a residency at Café Society, a groundbreaking integrated nightclub in Greenwich Village known for showcasing progressive talent. When Billie Holiday abruptly ended her engagement there, she personally recommended Scott as her successor. Scott quickly became the club's star attraction and was affectionately dubbed the 'Darling of Café Society.' In 1950, Scott broke new ground once again with ' The Hazel Scott Show,' a 15-minute television program aired three times a week. It initially broadcast in New York and later expanded nationally. On the show, Scott performed her unique blend of jazz, blues, and classical music, earning critical acclaim and strong viewership. However, her rising stardom was cut short when she was named in ' Red Channels ,' a publication that accused entertainers of Communist affiliations. The show was swiftly canceled, despite her refusal to back down under pressure. Scott's legacy is not only defined by her musical genius but also by her incredible commitment to justice and artistic integrity in the face of adversity. She walked so many of our favorite Black talk and TV show hosts could run and thrive. Here's a look at 20 influential Black talk show hosts who have shaped the landscape of television. 20 Famous Black Talk Show Hosts was originally published on Source:Getty Tyra Banks revolutionized the modeling industry with 'America's Next Top Model' from 2003 to 2015, and later hosted 'The Tyra Banks Show' (2006-2010), where she delved into personal stories and social issues with guests. Her candid approach and charisma made her a household name. Source:Getty Queen Latifah brought her multifaceted talents to 'The Queen Latifah Show,' from 1999 to 2001, blending music, comedy, and interviews with a focus on positivity and empowerment. Her warmth and authenticity resonated with audiences. Source:Getty Former NFL star Michael Strahan transitioned to television, co-hosting 'Live with Kelly and Michael' from 2012 to 2013 and later hosting 'The $100,000 Pyramid ,' and 'GMA3,' showcasing his versatility and charm. His engaging personality made him a favorite among viewers. Source:Getty Oprah Winfrey's 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 1986, touching on topics from self-help to politics, and making her one of the most influential media figures in history. Her empathetic interviewing style set a new standard for talk shows and made her a beloved figure around the world until the show's end in 2011. Source:Getty Known for her candid and often controversial opinions, Wendy Williams hosted 'The Wendy Williams Show,' from 2008 to 2022, where she discussed celebrity gossip and current events with unapologetic flair. Her bold approach garnered a dedicated following. Williams took a step back from the spotlight in 2022 to tend to several health issues including her ongoing battle with lymphedema, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Source:Getty RuPaul had a brief stint with his talk show, 'The RuPaul Show,' between 1997 and 1998. However, his big break would come in 2009, when 'RuPaul's Drag Race' premiered. It brought drag culture into the mainstream, celebrating self-expression and diversity. RuPaul's charisma and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights made him a trailblazer. Source:Getty Sherri Shepherd co-hosted 'The View' from 2007 to 2014 and later launched her own daytime talk show, 'Sherri,' in 2022, where she now combines humor with heartfelt discussions on various topics. Fans love her funny and authentic delivery on air. Source:Getty Steve Harvey parlayed his funny humor as a comic into his full-time hosting role with 'Family Feud' in 2010. He showcases his comedic timing and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Source:Getty Star Jones gained prominence as a co-host on 'The View,' between 1997 and 2006, known for her legal expertise and candid opinions. Jones is the current host of 'Divorce Court,' a show that revolves around settling the disputes of couples going through messy divorces. Source:Getty An EGOT winner, Whoopi Goldberg has been a co-host of 'The View,' since 2006, bringing her sharp wit and diverse perspectives to discussions on politics, culture, and current events. Her contributions have been pivotal in shaping the show's strong dynamic. Source:Getty Comedian Wanda Sykes hosted 'The Wanda Sykes Show,' offering a unique blend of humor and political commentary. Her fearless approach to addressing social issues resonated with many viewers. The show aired on Fox and ran for one season between 2009 and 2010. Source:Getty Ananda Lewis hosted 'The Ananda Lewis Show,' from 2001 to 2022, a place where she engaged with young audiences on topics ranging from relationships to social issues, providing a relatable voice for her generation. Her approachable demeanor made her a trusted figure thanks to her early days as an MTV veejay. Source:Getty Oscar-winning actress Mo'Nique hosted 'The Mo'Nique Show,' where she combined celebrity interviews with discussions on real-life issues, all while showcasing her comedic talents. Her authenticity and boldness set her apart. The show ran for 7 seasons between 2009 and 2012. Source:Getty From 1989 to 1994, Arsenio Hall's late-night talk show, 'The Arsenio Hall Show,' brought a fresh perspective to the genre, featuring musical performances and interviews with a diverse range of guests. His show became a platform for emerging artists and cultural discussions. Source:Getty Tavis Smiley began his broadcasting career as a radio commentator in 1991. In 1996, he became the host of 'BET Talk'—a show that was later rebranded as 'BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley'—on Black Entertainment Television (BET). His tenure at BET came to an end in 2001 after he sold an exclusive interview with Sara Jane Olson to ABC News, prompting the network not to renew his contract. Following his departure from BET, Smiley transitioned to public radio and launched 'The Tavis Smiley Show' on National Public Radio (NPR), which he hosted from 2002 to 2004. He then expanded his platform with the launch of 'Tavis Smiley' on PBS, a weekday television talk show, and a revived version of 'The Tavis Smiley Show' on Public Radio International (PRI), both of which he hosted from 2004 until 2017. Source:Getty Montel Williams hosted 'The Montel Williams Show,' from 1991 to 2009, addressing a wide array of topics, including health, relationships, and social issues, often featuring emotional and inspiring stories. His military background and advocacy for veterans added depth to his platform. Source:Getty Comedian Chris Rock hosted 'The Chris Rock Show,' blending stand-up comedy with satirical commentary on politics and culture, offering a sharp and insightful perspective on societal issues. His fearless approach to comedy made the show a standout. The show ran for 5 seasons between 1997 and 2000. Source:Getty Lasting for two seasons (2002-2004), Wayne Brady hosted 'The Wayne Brady Show,' where he showcased his improvisational skills and musical talents, providing a blend of entertainment and humor. His versatility as a performer made him a beloved figure in television. Source:Getty TV and radio personality Bevy Smith has been the host of 'Bevelations,' since 2015, on SiriusXM. The show combines celebrity interviews with discussions on fashion, culture, and lifestyle, offering a chic and insightful perspective on the entertainment industry. Her vibrant personality and style make her a standout host. Source:Getty Comedian Sheryl Underwood was a regular contributor on the nationally syndicated ' Tom Joyner Morning Show' until June 2010. She also briefly hosted her own radio program, 'Sheryl Underwood and Company,' which aired on Radio One's Syndication One News/Talk network and on XM Satellite Radio's Channel 169, known as The Power. Additionally, Underwood hosts 'The Sheryl Underwood Show' on Tuesday nights on Jamie Foxx's SiriusXM channel, The Foxxhole (Sirius 106). In 2011, she joined the CBS daytime talk show 'The Talk' as a co-host during its second season, stepping in as a replacement for Leah Remini. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
2 Reasons AMC Stock Is Soaring in June
Memorial Day weekend set moviegoing records, and a lot of the sales went to AMC as the largest theater chain. With many expected hit movies slated for release, management thinks it's turned a corner. AMC stock is still down year to date and the company has a lot to prove. 10 stocks we like better than AMC Entertainment › AMC (NYSE: AMC) is the largest movie theater operator in the world, but being the leader in a troubled industry hasn't done much for the company over the past few years. With the advent of streaming and residual fears from the pandemic, moviegoing just isn't what it once was and AMC continues to struggle. However, Memorial Day weekend was a boon for the company and AMC stock has been climbing. Let's see why and what it means for the future. Streaming from home has taken a toll on the box office, but there is still life left in theaters. Four of the top 10 highest-grossing films ever were released since the pandemic started, including Avatar: The Way of Water in the No. 3 spot and last year's Inside Out 2. People are still going to the movies. That fact was reinforced with a record Memorial Day weekend in May. Disney's live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch had the highest-ever four-day Memorial Day opening, and it was buttressed by a strong showing for Paramount's Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning. Altogether, these two topped a blowout weekend with $326.7 million in domestic ticket sales, and Lilo & Stitch is already the second-highest-grossing domestic film of the year. Of course, that success trickled down to generate incredible financial results for AMC. Management said it set an all-time record for admissions revenue, food and beverage revenue, and total revenue for a weekend Memorial Day opening, and that the five-day stretch was the third-highest revenue for any five-day slot in more than 10 years. As for attendance, this was the highest-attended weekend and highest-attended five-day period of the year, both domestically and globally. Management didn't provide specific financial metrics for the weekend, so investors aren't likely to hear the nitty-gritty details until the second-quarter earnings release sometime in July or August. But management's update and optimism are boosting investor confidence. It's nice for the company to have a solid, record-breaking opening, but can it last? Management thinks so, and the market may be pricing that in. CEO Adam Aron said that after this weekend, AMC has turned a corner. "With many more potentially huge movies coming in June all the way through the end of 2025, and beyond that deeply into 2026 as well," he said, "we firmly expect to be enjoying a robust theatrical box office as we look ahead." Here's what to be excited about. Disney has a full slate of films coming out over the next few years, including the third film in the Avatar series. The first two are the highest-grossing and third-highest-grossing films ever, and the next film is slated for release this coming December. It also has the next Frozen film and other top franchises coming out soon. Warner Bros. has its own expected hits coming out, including a new Superman, and Comcast's Universal Studios has the next installment of Wicked and a new Shrek. Sequels to popular franchises can be big business. But the company is still reporting revenue declines and losses as of the 2025 first quarter. It will take some time to see if AMC has indeed turned a corner. As the price has increased in June, so has the short interest in AMC, hitting almost 15% of all outstanding shares. These investors are betting on this being a short-term boost and that the price will fall from this surge. Even though AMC stock is up 29% over the past month, it's still down 15% year-to-date. Unless the company releases incredibly strong earnings for the second quarter and keeps up its performance, the price jump may not last. Part of what's frustrating about that for investors is that many variables are beyond the company's control. It's up to film producers to create hit movies that bring viewers into theaters and to make the decision to keep them there long enough before they hit streaming services. That can be quite lumpy. You need to have real confidence in the future of the film industry and the resilience of theaters as a beckoning call for die-hard fans to want to invest in AMC's future, and for most investors, that time isn't now. Before you buy stock in AMC Entertainment, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and AMC Entertainment wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $674,395!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $858,011!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 997% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 Jennifer Saibil has positions in Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends Comcast. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2 Reasons AMC Stock Is Soaring in June was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
