This page tracks the complete American Idol Season 21 television schedule and key production updates. American Idol 2023 premiered on Sunday, February 19 at 8:00 PM on ABC, and the season finale is scheduled for Sunday, May 21. Information below reflects confirmed air dates, special episodes, celebrity mentors, and notable performance nights.
Season 21 returns with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, and longtime host Ryan Seacrest. The judges traveled to Las Vegas, New Orleans and Nashville during the audition phase, searching for the next breakout vocal talent. After open auditions and Hollywood Week, the competition narrowed to the Top contestants who advanced through the Showstopper round, followed by live performance shows where America’s votes determine who moves forward.
The early rounds included a Showstopper showcase in front of a live Los Angeles audience, and a Top 26 round filmed at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Celebrity mentors throughout the season included Allen Stone and Noah Cyrus, with additional guest mentors and performers appearing during live shows. Fan voting played a central role in selecting the season’s Top 20 and beyond.
Important production notes and mentor appearances: Adam Lambert served as mentor for the Top 12 during the live show on Sunday, April 30. A one-hour clip show was added to the schedule for Monday, May 15. On Sunday, May 7, Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran sat in for Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on the judges’ panel; Alanis also provided mentoring for that episode. Sofia Carson mentored the Top 5 for Disney Night, and former judge Keith Urban returned to mentor the Top 3 for the finale.
A special one-hour audition episode aired immediately after the Academy Awards as part of ABC’s post-Oscars programming. Live coast-to-coast broadcasts resumed as the field narrowed to the Top 12 and live elimination shows began.
American Idol 2023 Season 21 Schedule
Sunday, Feb 19 – 8:00 PM – Premiere (Auditions 1)
Sunday, Feb 26 – 8:00 PM – Auditions 2
Sunday, Mar 5 – 8:00 PM – Auditions 3
Sunday, Mar 12 – 8:00 PM – Academy Awards special slot: One-hour audition episode following the Oscars
Sunday, Mar 19 – 8:00 PM – Auditions 4
Sunday, Mar 26 – 8:00 PM – Auditions 5
Sunday, Apr 2 – 8:00 PM – Hollywood Week Part 1: Solos (mentorship focusing on confidence, stage presence and songwriting)
Monday, Apr 3 – 8:00 PM – Hollywood Week Part 2: Duets Challenge
Sunday, Apr 9 – 8:00 PM – Showstopper/Final Judgement Part 1: Top 26 revealed
Monday, Apr 10 – 8:00 PM – Showstopper/Final Judgement Part 2: Top 26 revealed; select contestants face off with the judges
Sunday, Apr 16 – 8:00 PM – Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part 1: Top 26 perform for America’s vote (Allen Stone mentors)
Monday, Apr 17 – 8:00 PM – Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part 2: Top 26 perform for America’s vote (Noah Cyrus mentors)
Sunday, Apr 23 – 8:00 PM – Top 20 perform for a spot in the Top 12. Special performances include former contestants and guest artists.
Monday, Apr 24 – 8:00 PM – Top 12 Reveal: Ten singers advance via America’s Votes, plus two wildcards selected by the judges. Live show format begins.
Sunday, Apr 30 – 8:00 PM – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night: Top 12 perform; Top 10 revealed. Adam Lambert serves as mentor. Live coast-to-coast broadcasts begin.
Monday, May 1 – 8:00 PM – Judges Song Contest: Judges propose song choices for contestants; Top 10 perform and the Top 7 are revealed, including a judges’ save.
Sunday, May 7 – 8:00 PM – Top 8 perform; Top 5 revealed. Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran sit in on the judges’ panel and Alanis mentors contestants. Episode includes duet performances.
Sunday, May 14 – 8:00 PM – Disney Night: Top 5 perform two Disney numbers live from Disneyland. Sofia Carson mentors the contestants. Special guest performances included Sara Bareilles and Halle Bailey.
Monday, May 15 – 9:00 PM – Journey to the Finale: One-hour clip show covering highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from the season.
Sunday, May 21 – 8:00 PM – Finale: Top 3 perform; former judge Keith Urban mentors the finalists and contestants perform newly recorded original songs. The season winner is announced during the finale.
This schedule will be updated if additional episodes, guest appearances, or schedule changes are confirmed. Check back for the latest episode details and mentor announcements as the season progresses.