American Idol season 23: next episode, judges, top 14 and everything we know about the singing competition
American Idol brings back arguably its most famous alum for its eighth season on ABC.

The TV institution that is American Idol just keeps rolling along, as American Idol season 23 (aka American Idol season 8 on ABC) is set to be a part of the spring 2025 TV season.
While there has been some change with the judges since last season, as Katy Perry exited the show, American Idol turned to one of its all-time legends to take her spot. Combine that with a new batch of super-talented singers hoping to get their shot at stardom, and it looks like it’s going to be another exciting season of American Idol.
Read on for everything you need to know about American Idol season 23.
American Idol season 23 next episode
American Idol season 23 continues on Sunday, April 27, at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC, with the top 14 performing songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members. James Taylor (himself a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member) serves as a guest mentor.
Fans can watch American Idol season 23 episodes live if they have access to their local ABC station, which is available through traditional pay-TV providers, with a TV antenna or via live TV streaming services like Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV (in select markets) and YouTube TV. If you miss the show live or have cut the cord on live TV, all episodes are going to stream on-demand on Hulu the day after they premiere on TV.
American Idol is not available to watch in the UK.
American Idol season 23 judges
Replacing Katy Perry as a judge on this season of American Idol is none other than Carrie Underwood. An eight-time Grammy winner, one of country music’s biggest stars and the winner of American Idol season 4, Underwood is the first Idol alum to become a full-time judge; she did previously return as a guest mentor on the show.
The rest of the judges' panel from recent years remains the same, as country music star Luke Bryan and music legend Lionel Richie are back, as they have been since the show has aired on ABC.
American Idol season 23 host
Also returning to the show is host Ryan Seacrest. Despite having taken over Wheel of Fortune and among his various other projects, Seacrest has remained as the host of American Idol since its very first season (22 solo, with him co-hosting the first season with Brian Dunkleman).
American Idol season 23 contestants
Here are the American Idol season 23 top 14:
- Thunderstorm Artis
- Amanda Barise
- Ché
- Filo
- John Foster
- Canaan James Hill
- Kolbi Jordan
- Josh King
- Slater Nalley
- Breanna Nix
- Mattie Pruitt
- Desmond Roberts
- Jamal Roberts
- Gabby Simone
These singers have been eliminated:
- Olivier Bergeron
- Kyana Fanene
- Baylee Littrell
- Isaiah Misailegalu
- MYK
- Drew Ryn
- Penny Samar
- Victor Solomon
- Grayson Torrence
- Zaylie Windsor
American Idol season 23 trailer
Check out the trailer for American Idol season 23 right here:
American Idol winners
American Idol winners have gone on to become some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Is the American Idol season 23 winner next? Time will tell, but until then, take a stroll down memory lane by remembering all of the past American Idol winners:
- American Idol season 1: Kelly Clarkson
- American Idol season 2: Ruben Studdard
- American Idol season 3: Fantasia Barrino
- American Idol season 4: Carrie Underwood
- American Idol season 5: Taylor Hicks
- American Idol season 6: Jordin Sparks
- American Idol season 7: David Cook
- American Idol season 8: Kris Allen
- American Idol season 9: Lee DeWyze
- American Idol season 10: Scotty McCreery
- American Idol season 11: Phillip Phillips
- American Idol season 12: Candice Glover
- American Idol season 13: Caleb Johnson
- American Idol season 14: Nick Fradiani
- American Idol season 15: Trent Harmon
- American Idol season 16: Maddie Poppe
- American Idol season 17: Laine Hardy
- American Idol season 18: Just Sam
- American Idol season 19: Chayce Beckham
- American Idol season 20: Noah Thompson
- American Idol season 21: Iam Tongi
- American Idol season 22: Abi Carter
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Michael Balderston is What to Watch’s assistant managing editor and lead movie writer, covering movies coming to theaters, writing movie reviews and highlighting new and classic movies on streaming services; he also covers a range of TV shows, including those in the Taylor Sheridan universe, Slow Horses, Only Murders in the Building, Jeopardy!, Saturday Night Live and more, as well as the best ways to watch some major US sporting events.
Based outside of Washington, D.C., Michael's previous experience includes writing for Awards Circuit, TV Technology and The Wrap.
Michael’s favorite movie of all time is Casablanca, while his favorite TV show is Seinfeld. Some 2025 favorites include One of Them Days and Black Bag for movies, and The Pitt on TV. Follow on Letterboxd to keep up with what I'm watching.
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