American Idol 2025: Full Season 23 Schedule (Keep watching for updates!)
American Idol returns for Season 23 on ABC with a schedule that began in March and runs through a live finale in May. Auditions for this season conclude Sunday, March 30, and Hollywood Week begins immediately afterward on Monday, March 31. The season launched later than some previous cycles, starting in March rather than mid-February, which could affect the number of episodes or timing of certain live shows. ABC and Disney retain flexibility to add episodes or adjust dates, so this schedule should be considered subject to change as new announcements are made.
This season’s judging panel features 2004 winner Carrie Underwood joining veterans Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, while Ryan Seacrest returns as host. The judges held auditions in multiple major cities, including Los Angeles, Nashville and New York City, seeking a diverse group of singers and performers. Season 23 blends the familiar Idol format—auditions, Hollywood Week, mentor-led rounds and live audience voting—with special themed episodes and high-profile guest mentors.
After the initial Hollywood Round, the show introduced Jelly Roll as Season 23’s first-ever Artist in Residence. A Top 24 was selected to travel to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, where those contestants performed in episodes that launched viewer voting. Mentors this season include Ashanti and Josh Groban, and the series has continued its tradition of inviting acclaimed performers to guide contestants through song choice, arrangement and stagecraft. Several themed live shows and special guests are built into the season, from tributes to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to Disney celebrations at Disneyland Resort.
Below is the announced schedule for American Idol Season 23. The list includes the auditions block, Hollywood Week rounds, the Top 24 visit to Disney Aulani, themed live shows, and the three-hour live finale where the season winner will be crowned. Note that exact times are listed in Eastern and Pacific time zones where provided; check local listings for additional time zone conversions.
American Idol 2025 Season 23 Schedule
Sunday, Mar 2 – Post‑Oscars Auditions special
Sunday, Mar 9 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Premiere (Auditions 2)
Sunday, Mar 16 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Auditions 3
Sunday, Mar 23 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Auditions 4
Sunday, Mar 30 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Auditions 5
Monday, Mar 31 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Hollywood Week: Idol Arena — contestants face challenges and group performances
Sunday, Apr 6 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Hollywood Week: Showstopper Round — Jelly Roll appears as Artist in Residence as contestants deliver standout performances
Monday, Apr 7 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Head to Head — intense one‑on‑one battles
Sunday, Apr 13 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Top 24 at Disney Aulani Part 1 — viewer voting begins
Monday, Apr 14 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Top 24 at Disney Aulani Part 2
Sunday, Apr 20 – 8–11 pm ET/PT – Top 20 Easter “Faith” special — extended episode featuring faith‑themed performances
Monday, Apr 21 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – Top 14 Revealed Live
Sunday, Apr 27 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – LIVE SHOW — Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tribute. With guidance from an award‑winning guest mentor, the Top 14 tackle iconic songs as America votes live for the Top 12.
Monday, Apr 28 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – LIVE SHOW — Iconic Idol Moments. The Top 12 perform and the Top 10 is revealed.
Sunday, May 4 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – LIVE SHOW — Ladies Night, celebrating female artists with Miranda Lambert. The Top 10 perform and the Top 8 is revealed.
Monday, May 5 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – LIVE SHOW — Judges Song Contest (judges select songs for contestants). The Top 8 perform, the Top 6 is revealed, and the judges use a save.
Sunday, May 11 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – LIVE SHOW — Disney Night Part 1. The Top 7 celebrate Mother’s Day with a special appearance by Lin‑Manuel Miranda, traveling to the Disneyland Resort to perform Disney classics. The Top 5 is revealed.
Monday, May 12 – 8–10 pm ET/PT – LIVE SHOW — Disney Night Part 2. The Top 5 perform songs inspired by a “Heroes and Villains” theme. Lin‑Manuel Miranda returns; the Top 5 perform twice. Idol winner Iam Tongi also appears. The Top 3 is revealed.
Sunday, May 18 – Three‑hour LIVE FINALE where the winner is crowned.
This schedule reflects the episodes announced so far for Season 23. As with past seasons, American Idol often incorporates guest mentors, themed nights and special performance locations that can shift the flow of the season. For the latest updates, tune in to ABC, check your local listings and watch the show for any live scheduling announcements. Bookmark this page for ongoing updates as new episodes and guest appearances are confirmed.