Coming Up on American Idol: Ladies Night and Judges Song Contest
Here’s what to expect on American Idol this week: Sunday, May 4 and Monday, May 5. Season 23 will air live coast to coast for the remainder of the season, with additional Monday episodes running through May 12. The three-hour live finale when the winner will be crowned is scheduled for Sunday, May 18. This week’s episodes feature a themed “Ladies Night” episode with a country music mentor and the fan-favorite “Judges Song Contest” where the judges select songs for the contestants in secret.
When: American Idol airs Sunday and Monday nights on ABC at 8:00 PM ET and will be available to stream on Hulu the following day. The live coast-to-coast broadcasts ensure viewers across the country see performances and voting unfold in real time.
Sunday, May 4 — Ladies Night: Iconic Women of Music
Top 10: Iconic Women of Music — The Top 10 contestants will pay tribute to iconic women in music during a special Ladies Night episode. Country star Miranda Lambert joins the show as mentor, guiding contestants as they select and interpret songs that honor influential female artists across genres. With this theme, singers are encouraged to choose material that showcases their vocal strengths while demonstrating stylistic range and emotional connection.
Mentors on American Idol typically work closely with contestants on arrangement, phrasing, and stage presence, and Miranda Lambert’s experience in country and crossover music will provide targeted coaching for vocal delivery and authenticity. The performances are high-stakes: America votes live to determine which contestants advance toward the Top 8. Expect powerful solo performances, thoughtful repertoire choices, and moments designed to highlight each singer’s individuality.
Ladies Night episodes often spotlight a mix of classic hits and modern interpretations, giving contestants room to reinterpret beloved songs while remaining respectful to the original artists. Judges and the mentor will offer feedback after each performance to help viewers understand what each contestant brought to their song choice and why it may resonate with voters.
Monday, May 5 — Judges Song Contest: Surprise Selections
Top 8: Judges Song Contest — On Monday, the Top 8 will face the Judges Song Contest, an inventive challenge that tests versatility and adaptability. Each judge—Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood—selects songs in secret for the contestants. The Top 8 are presented with three song choices without knowing which judge picked which song. Contestants choose one song from the three options and deliver a performance based on that selection.
After each performance, the singer attempts to guess which judge chose their song, adding an element of fun and suspense to the competition. The format rewards both strong song interpretation and the ability to make a surprising selection feel natural. This segment debuted in Season 20 and has become a popular recurring feature because it combines strategy, creativity and lighthearted moments among judges and contestants.
Country artist Jelly Roll appears as artist in residence for this round, offering additional perspective and energy during the show. After the performances, America votes live to narrow the field to the Top 6. From there, the judges retain the ability to save one contestant and complete the Top 7 — typically the panel discusses who should be saved and makes a choice that balances talent, growth potential and audience appeal.
The Judges Song Contest also introduces a competitive twist among the judges: the judge whose song selections are chosen most often by contestants is said to have “won” that round and sometimes gains extra influence, such as choosing a wildcard or having greater sway in deliberations. Regardless, decisions about saves and eliminations usually involve input from the full panel.
Both nights will feature comments from the judges — Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood — who provide critiques intended to guide contestants while entertaining the audience. The live voting element gives viewers direct influence over who remains in the running for the title, making these episodes a crucial turning point in Season 23.
Looking ahead: With live episodes continuing through May 12 and a three-hour finale planned for Sunday, May 18, the next few weeks will determine which performers have the momentum and public support to reach the finish line. Tune in Sunday and Monday nights at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and catch performances on Hulu the next day to follow every elimination, save and standout moment.