American Idol 2024 April/May schedule features familiar themes, guest stars and fan-favorite alums
American Idol Season 22 has moved into its live show phase, and the upcoming April and May episodes bring a mix of classic theme nights, high-profile guest mentors and performers, and the return of past contestants. Below is a clear rundown of what to expect during these key broadcast weeks, including live coast-to-coast voting, tribute performances, and the path to the grand finale.
American Idol 2024: Season 22 live shows, themes and guest appearances
Sunday April 28 8-10 pm ET/PT – Just Sam returns; show airs live coast to coast
Songs from the Year of Their Birth – For this episode, American Idol will air live simultaneously across the country so viewers on both coasts can watch and vote in real time. The Top 10 contestants will perform songs chosen from the year they were born, a nostalgic theme that regularly challenges singers to adapt to diverse styles.
Country superstar Shania Twain joins as the guest mentor, guiding contestants on song selection and performance approaches. Returning performers include season 10 winner Scotty McCreery and season 18 champion Just Sam. Scotty’s appearance reflects his ongoing success in country music. Just Sam’s return to the Idol stage marks her first time back on the broadcast since winning in 2020; after a difficult few years, she arrives with new management and renewed momentum, making her comeback notable for longtime fans.
America votes live during the broadcast, and the episode will conclude with the announcement of the Top 8.
Monday April 29 8-10 pm ET/PT – Final Monday episode includes a tribute to the late Mandisa
Judges Song Contest – The Top 8 will each perform one of three songs secretly chosen by judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Each judge competes to have the most contestants sing their selections, a popular recurring format that adds strategy and surprise. During this episode, America will vote to determine the Top 6 in real time, and the judges will select a wildcard to create a Top 7.
The show will also pay tribute to beloved Christian singer and former contestant Mandisa, who passed away recently. Producers will honor her legacy with a musical remembrance reflecting her impact on the show and the genre.
Sunday May 5 – American Idol begins airing live coast to coast
Adele Night – The Top 7 finalists will tackle songs by Adele, offering a night centered on powerful ballads and emotional interpretation. Viewers will vote live to determine the Top 5. Pop star and songwriter Meghan Trainor returns to perform her new single and to appear as a guest on the episode; her involvement continues her frequent role as a guest mentor and performer on singing competitions.
This week also marks the final Monday-night performance show of the season, consolidating the live event schedule as the competition advances.
Sunday May 12 – Disney Night
Disney Night – Tradition suggests a Disney-themed episode as the field narrows, and this season’s penultimate rounds are expected to spotlight timeless songs from film and animation catalogs. On Disney Night, the Top 5 will perform, with the evening’s voting likely reducing the group to a Top 3 by the episode’s end, following the show’s customary elimination structure.
Sunday May 19 – Three-hour Grand Finale
Grand Finale – The three-hour finale will culminate with host Ryan Seacrest announcing the winner of Season 22. The Top 3 finalists will receive mentorship from rock icon Jon Bon Jovi ahead of the final performances; his participation comes as he promotes his new Hulu biopic, adding star power to the season’s climax.
Episodes of American Idol are also made available to stream the following day, expanding options for viewers who miss the live broadcast. As the competition moves into these decisive weeks, expect emotional performances, memorable guest moments, and real-time voting drama that will determine who advances to the next round and who ultimately claims the title.