American Idol Encore Contest Returns: Vote for Your Favorite Top 8 Singer to Perform on Live with Kelly and Mark
The popular “American Idol Encore” contest is back on Live with Kelly and Mark. Each year, viewers are invited to vote for a finalist from the season’s top contestants to return for a special daytime performance on the show. This fan-driven tradition gives an Idol favorite another moment in the spotlight and delivers a live, intimate performance to a daytime audience.
This year, American Idol winner Iam Tongi is scheduled to perform on Tuesday, May 23, and runner-up Megan Danielle will appear on Thursday, May 25. The remaining members of the season 21 Top 8 will compete in a viewer vote for a chance to be featured on Tuesday, May 30. Fans decide the winner by casting their votes during the designated voting window.
Voting opens at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 22 and closes at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, May 23 (EDT). For full contest details, rules, and the official voting page, visit the Live with Kelly and Mark website. Be sure to cast your vote during the official window to support your favorite finalist.
The Top 8 contestants eligible for this year’s Encore poll are:
- Colin Stough (3rd place)
- Wé Ani (Top 5)
- Zachariah Smith (Top 5)
- Haven Madison (Top 8)
- Warren Peay (Top 8)
- Oliver Steele (Top 8)
Over the years, Live’s “American Idol Encore” has returned several memorable contestants. Past Encore performers include Cade Foehner (season 16), Madison Vandenburg (season 17), Julia Gargano (season 18), Grace Kinstler (season 19), and Fritz Hager (season 20). These repeat performances have given viewers a chance to reconnect with standout voices and introduced some artists to broader daytime audiences.
On Sunday night, May 21, Iam Tongi was crowned the winner of American Idol 2023, with Megan Danielle finishing as the runner-up and Colin Stough placing third. The finale included themed mentoring from former American Idol judge Keith Urban, who guided the Top 3 through an Urban-themed round. In addition, each of the Top 3 performed songs dedicated to their hometowns, with clips filmed during personal visits back home earlier in the week.
Following Colin’s departure in third place, Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle both performed newly recorded original songs. After viewers cast their votes throughout the finale broadcast, host Ryan Seacrest announced Iam Tongi as the season’s winner. The finale combined the emotional hometown tributes, mentor-led coaching, and new original material to create a memorable conclusion to the season.
If you want to see one of these talented finalists return to perform on Live with Kelly and Mark, now is the time to act. Voting is brief but decisive: the poll opens at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 22 and shuts at noon on Tuesday, May 23 (EDT). This is a great opportunity for fans to support a favorite artist and help bring their performance to a national daytime audience.
Keep an eye on Live with Kelly and Mark’s contest page for official announcements and to confirm voting details. The encore winner will appear on the Tuesday, May 30 episode, joining the show for a live performance and a conversation about their American Idol journey and next steps in their music career.