American Idol returns to Hollywood Week with a new format beginning Sunday, April 2. Instead of the usual Genre Challenge in Part 1, producers are dividing contestants into targeted skill categories designed to strengthen specific areas: Confidence, Stage Presence and Songwriting. Each category will be guided by two former Idol contestants who serve as mentors, and reigning champion Noah Thompson will make an appearance to share what he’s learned over the past year.
Contestants were assigned to the category where the judges felt they needed the most improvement. Below are the mentor pairings and the artists who worked with them, along with highlights from the first Hollywood Week episodes.
Hollywood Part 2 moves into the Duet Challenge. All four Platinum Ticket recipients—Tyson Venegas, Kaylin Hedges, Cam Amen (chosen by the judges) and Elijah McCormick (selected by fans during the AMAs)—will enter the competition after skipping Part 1. Platinum ticket holders retain the advantage of choosing their duet partners. In a late update, the show added a twist: every contestant will now be able to select their own duet partner, a change expected to increase competition and unpredictability heading into the Duet Challenge.
UPDATE: All contestants can choose their duet partners for the Duet Challenge.
American Idol 2023: Full Season 21 Schedule (Updated 3/31)
American Idol airs on ABC Sunday April 2 and Monday April 3 at 8 pm ET/PT
Confidence: Mentored by Clay Aiken (Season 2 runner-up) and David Archuleta (Season 7 runner-up)
Mentors Clay Aiken and David Archuleta focused on helping singers project confidence and connect more convincingly with material on stage. Their sessions emphasized vocal control under pressure, breathing technique and small adjustments that can make a big difference in a live performance.
Stage Presence: Mentored by Justin Guarini (Season 1 runner-up) and Jordin Sparks (Season 6 winner)
Justin Guarini and Jordin Sparks worked with contestants to elevate their stagecraft—movement, engagement with the audience and the dramatic choices that turn a good song into a memorable performance. One notable mentorship pairing: Jordin Sparks mentored McKayla Stacey, daughter of Season 6 competitor Phil Stacey. Jordin revealed she used to babysit McKayla and pointed out that McKayla is nearly the same age Jordin was when she won the show—16 versus Jordin’s 17—underscoring the poignant full-circle moment.
Several performances in this category left the audience buzzing. Wé Ani, in particular, delivered a powerful set that reduced her to tears when the crowd rose to applaud, describing the response as “worth everything.” Those emotional high points illustrated how stage presence can amplify a singer’s authenticity and audience connection.
Songwriting: Mentored by Phillip Phillips (Season 11 winner) and Catie Turner (Season 16 finalist)
Under the guidance of Phillip Phillips and Catie Turner, contestants in the songwriting category are expected to present original material during Hollywood Week. Mentors focused on song structure, lyrical clarity and ways to adapt a personal song into a performance that resonates with both judges and viewers. The songwriting round offers a chance for singer-songwriters to showcase creativity as well as vocal ability.
Overall, this season’s Hollywood Week is placing a heavier emphasis on development and mentorship: targeted coaching, peer collaboration and performance strategy are all central to the revamped format. With former contestants returning as mentors and the Platinum Ticket twist reshaping the Duet Challenge, the competition’s early rounds are charged with fresh dynamics that could affect who advances to the live shows.
Expect more intense matchups and emotional showcases as American Idol continues through Hollywood Week and the Duet Challenge. The mentoring approach aims to prepare contestants not just to sing well, but to build careers by strengthening confidence, stagecraft and songwriting chops—key elements any emerging artist needs to stand out.