History of American Idol in Timeline
American Idol is a singing competition TV series created by Simon Fuller. It aired on Fox for 15 seasons (2002-2016) and was later revived by ABC in 2018. The show aims to discover new solo singing talent through nationwide auditions, showcasing their performances and eliminating contestants based on viewer votes and judges' feedback. The winner receives a recording contract and instant fame. American Idol significantly impacted the music industry and launched the careers of numerous successful artists.
2 days ago : Jesse Findling, Massapequa native, shines on American Idol after Binghamton University performance.
Jesse Findling from Massapequa Park returned to school before his 'American Idol' appearance. The Binghamton University student competed in the Ohana Round, showcasing his talent. He also performed at Massapequa High School, gaining local support for his journey in the show.
2001: Pop Idol Debuts in Britain
In 2001, Pop Idol debuted in Britain with Nigel Lythgoe as showrunner and Simon Cowell as one of the judges, and was successful with the viewing public. This British show inspired the American version of American Idol.
2001: Attempt to Sell Pop Idol to the United States
In 2001, Simon Fuller, Simon Cowell, and Simon Jones attempted to sell the Pop Idol format to the United States; however, the idea initially received poor responses from all the television networks. Rupert Murdoch was later persuaded to buy the series by his daughter.
June 11, 2002: American Idol series premiere on Fox
On June 11, 2002, American Idol, a singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, premiered on Fox. The show was produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America.
June 2002: American Idol Premieres
In June 2002, American Idol premiered and became the surprise summer hit show of 2002. The first show drew 9.9 million viewers.
June 2002: Debut of American Idol Season 1
In June 2002, the first season of American Idol debuted as a summer replacement show on Fox. It was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman, with Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell as judges.
September 4, 2002: Kelly Clarkson Wins American Idol
On September 4, 2002, Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol, defeating Justin Guarini in the final showdown. Her performances in the final rounds impressed the judges, including her rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman" and Betty Hutton's "Stuff Like That There".
2002: American Idol Broadcast on Fox
From 2002 to 2016, the show was aired live in several countries simulcast with the U.S. broadcast on Fox. In Canada, the first thirteen seasons of American Idol were aired live countrywide by CTV and/or CTV Two, in simulcast with Fox.
2002: Finals Venue for American Idol
From 2002 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022, the finals of American Idol were broadcast from CBS Television City in Los Angeles.
2002: Controversy over Lincoln Memorial Performance
In 2002, the decision to send the first season winner to sing the national anthem at the Lincoln Memorial on the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks was poorly received by many.
2002: Lowest Rated Show since Season One
In 2002, the results show in which Kristy Lee Cook was eliminated delivered its lowest-rated Wednesday show among the 18–34 demo since the first season.
2002: American Idol Debuts
In the summer of 2002, after some convincing, American Idol: The Search for a Superstar debuted. Nigel Lythgoe took over the showrunner position. The show became a huge success due to personal engagement with the contestants and the presence of Simon Cowell as a judge.
January 2003: Second Season Airs
In January 2003, following the success of the first season, the second season of American Idol began airing. Ryan Seacrest became the lone host, with Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges.
2003: Lost Top 10 Position
In 2003, American Idol lost its Top 10 position in the Nielsen ratings by the end of the 2013–14 television season for the first time since its entry to the rankings in 2003 as a result.
2003: American Idol Overtakes Academy Awards in Viewership
In 2003, American Idol surpassed the Academy Awards as the most-watched non-sports entertainment event on U.S. television, highlighting the show's rising popularity.
2003: Ryan Seacrest Becomes Sole Host
In 2003, Brian Dunkleman quit American Idol, resulting in Ryan Seacrest becoming the sole emcee starting with the second season.
2003: Release of "From Justin to Kelly" movie
In 2003, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini made a musical film titled, From Justin to Kelly, which was released in 2003 but was widely panned.
2003: Ruben Studdard's Album Reaches No. 1
In 2003, Ruben Studdard's album, Soulful, reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. This was mentioned in the context of Scotty McCreery's success in 2011, as it marked the first debut album by an Idol winner to reach No. 1 since Studdard's.
2003: Average Viewership Drops
In 2003, the average viewership for the eleventh season fell below 20 million viewers the first time since 2003, a drop of 23% in total viewers and 30% in the 18/49 demo.
2003: American Idol Broadcasting in Indonesia
In the 2002 to 2003 season, American Idol was aired on RCTI in Indonesia with Indonesian subtitles.
January 19, 2004: Premiere of the Third Season
On January 19, 2004, the third season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges.
2004: American Idol Becomes Top-Rated Show
By 2004, American Idol had become the most-watched show on American television.
2004: American Idol Broadcasting in Philippines
From 2004 to 2007, American Idol was broadcasted in the Philippines on ABC.
2004: Nielsen Ratings Victory
From 2004 to 2012, Idol helped Fox achieve the longest period of 18–49 demographic victory in the Nielsen ratings, standing at 8 straight years.
2004: American Idol Generates $900 Million
In 2004, American Idol was estimated to generate $900 million through TV ads, albums, merchandise, and concert ticket sales.
2004: Concerns about power voting expressed
Since 2004, American Idol's voting process has been affected by online communities like DialIdol and Vote for the Worst, raising concerns about power voting influencing the results.
January 18, 2005: Premiere of the Fourth Season
On January 18, 2005, the fourth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. This was the first full season to be aired in high definition.
May 2005: Carrie Underwood Wins American Idol
In May 2005, Carrie Underwood was announced as the winner of American Idol, with Bo Bice as the runner-up. Underwood's version of the coronation song "Inside Your Heaven" made her the first country artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2005: BMG Partners with Sony Music Entertainment
From 2005 to 2007, BMG partnered with Sony Music Entertainment to form Sony BMG Music Entertainment, which helped with the promotion and distribution of recordings made by American Idol contestants.
2005: People's Choice Award
In 2005, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
2005: Fox Dominates Key Demographic
Starting in 2005, American Idol contributed to Fox's unprecedented eight-year reign as the number one U.S. TV network among adults aged 18–49.
January 17, 2006: Fifth Season Premiere
On January 17, 2006, the fifth season of American Idol began, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. It remains the highest-rated season in the show's history.
May 30, 2006: Taylor Hicks Named American Idol
On May 30, 2006, Taylor Hicks was named American Idol, with Katharine McPhee the runner-up. Hicks' first single was "Do I Make You Proud," and McPhee's was "My Destiny."
September 30, 2006: "American Idol Rewind" syndicated
Starting September 30, 2006, the season was repackaged as "American Idol Rewind" and syndicated directly to stations in the U.S.
2006: People's Choice Award
In 2006, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
2006: LeAnn Rimes comments on Carrie Underwood's Award
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes, commenting on Carrie Underwood winning Best Female Artist in Country Music Awards over Faith Hill, said that "Carrie has not paid her dues long enough to fully deserve that award".
January 16, 2007: Sixth Season Premieres
On January 16, 2007, the sixth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. The premiere drew 37.3 million viewers, peaking at over 41 million in the last half hour.
May 24, 2007: "This Is My Now" Released by Jordin Sparks
On May 24, 2007, "This Is My Now," the winning song from the American Idol Songwriter contest, was released by Jordin Sparks. Both finalists performed the song during the finale.
2007: American Idol Broadcasting in Philippines
From 2004 to 2007, American Idol was broadcasted in the Philippines on ABC.
2007: BMG Partners with Sony Music Entertainment
From 2005 to 2007, BMG partnered with Sony Music Entertainment to form Sony BMG Music Entertainment, which helped with the promotion and distribution of recordings made by American Idol contestants.
2007: American Idol Alums Account for 2.1% of All Music Sales
In 2007, American Idol alums accounted for 2.1% of all music sales.
2007: Creative Arts Emmys Award
In 2007, American Idol won a Creative Arts Emmys and a Governor's Award for its Idol Gives Back edition.
2007: Idol: The Musical Closes After Opening Night
In 2007, Idol: The Musical, a musical based on American Idol, played off-Broadway but closed after its official opening night.
2007: Jordin Sparks Wins
In 2007, Jordin Sparks won American Idol. This was mentioned in the context of Candice Glover's win in 2013, highlighting that Glover was the first female to win since Sparks.
January 15, 2008: Season 7 Premiere
On January 15, 2008, the seventh season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. Media attention focused on contestants with prior recording contracts and David Hernandez's past employment.
March 11, 2008: New Set and Stage Debuted
On March 11, 2008, American Idol introduced a new state-of-the-art set and on-air look for the finals. During the top-ten night, David Cook's performance of "Billie Jean" stirred controversy when judges mistook the Chris Cornell arrangement for Cook's original work.
April 9, 2008: Idol Gives Back Raises $64 Million
On April 9, 2008, Idol Gives Back returned and successfully raised $64 million for charity.
May 21, 2008: David Cook Wins Season 7
On May 21, 2008, David Cook was announced the winner of American Idol. Both Cook and runner-up Archuleta achieved success as recording artists, each selling over a million albums in the U.S.
May 22, 2008: "The Time of My Life" Released by David Cook
On May 22, 2008, David Cook released "The Time of My Life," which was the winning song from the American Idol Songwriter contest, though neither finalist selected it as their coronation song.
2008: Sony Music Handles American Idol Music Distribution
From 2008 to 2010, following their acquisition of BMG, Sony Music handled the distribution of American Idol's music.
2008: American Idol Broadcasting in Philippines
From 2008–11, American Idol was broadcasted in the Philippines on QTV, then GMA News TV.
2008: Fox Becomes Number One U.S. TV Network
In 2008, American Idol helped Fox become the number one U.S. TV network in overall viewers.
2008: American Idol Overtakes Academy Awards in Viewership
In 2008, American Idol surpassed the Academy Awards as the most-watched non-sports entertainment event on U.S. television, highlighting the show's rising popularity.
2008: Creative Arts Emmys Award
In 2008, American Idol won a Creative Arts Emmys Award.
January 13, 2009: Season 8 Premiere
On January 13, 2009, the eighth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. Kara DioGuardi was introduced as a fourth judge, and the season's focus shifted towards the contestants' personal lives.
February 14, 2009: The American Idol Experience Debuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios
On February 14, 2009, The Walt Disney Company debuted "The American Idol Experience" at Disney's Hollywood Studios, allowing park guests to audition and perform on a replicated Idol set. The winner of the finals show received a "Dream Ticket" that granted them front-of-the-line privileges at any future American Idol audition.
2009: Changes in Production and Cancellation of Idol Gives Back
In 2009, Nigel Lythgoe departed as executive producer to focus on international versions of So You Think You Can Dance. The Hollywood round was moved to the Kodak Theatre and extended to two weeks. Idol Gives Back was canceled due to the global recession.
2009: Abdul leaves American Idol
In 2009, after the eighth season, Paula Abdul left American Idol due to a failure to agree to terms with show producers. Ellen DeGeneres replaced her for season nine.
2009: Primetime Emmy Award
In 2009, director Bruce Gower won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series, and the show won three Creative Arts Emmys.
2009: Popularity in Southern United States
In 2009, households in the Southeastern United States were 10% more likely to watch American Idol during the eighth season, and those in the East Central region, such as Kentucky, were 16 percent more likely to tune into the series.
January 12, 2010: Season 9 Premiere
On January 12, 2010, the ninth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul, and General Larry Platt's performance of "Pants on the Ground" became a viral hit.
January 2010: CD Sales by Idol Contestants
As of January 2010, Nielsen SoundScan data showed that of the 47 million CDs sold by Idol contestants, 85 percent were by contestants with ties to the American South.
April 21, 2010: Idol Gives Back Raises $45 Million
On April 21, 2010, Idol Gives Back returned and raised $45 million.
2010: Pepsi Loses Market Share
By 2010, Pepsi's decision not to sponsor American Idol contributed to the company losing market share.
2010: Radio Dominance of American Idol Winners
By 2010, four American Idol winners each had more than a million radio spins, with Kelly Clarkson leading the field with over four million spins.
2010: People's Choice Award
In 2010, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
2010: Changes to the Judging Panel in 2010
In 2010, Ellen DeGeneres left American Idol after one season. Kara DioGuardi was also let go, and Simon Cowell left to introduce the American version of The X Factor in 2011.
2010: Harry Connick, Jr. Serves as a Mentor
In 2010, Harry Connick, Jr. served as a mentor for American Idol. This was mentioned when he rejoined the show as a judge in 2014.
2010: Ratings Streak Broken
In 2010, Idol's six-year extended streak of perfection in the ratings was broken when NBC's coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics on February 17 beat Idol in the same time slot with 30.1 million viewers over Idol's 18.4 million.
2010: UMG replaces Sony as the music label
In 2010, UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M Records replaced Sony as the music label for American Idol.
2010: Viewer Numbers Fall
In the tenth season, in 2010, the total viewer numbers for the first week of shows fell 12–13%, and by up to 23% in the 18–49 demo compared to the ninth season.
January 19, 2011: Season 10 Premiere
On January 19, 2011, the tenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson returning as a judge. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joined as judges, replacing Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen DeGeneres.
April 7, 2011: Pia Toscano's Unexpected Elimination
On April 7, 2011, Pia Toscano was unexpectedly eliminated, finishing in ninth place. This event drew criticism from former Idol contestants and actor Tom Hanks.
2011: American Idol Broadcasting in Indonesia
From 2011 to 2013 season, American Idol was broadcast by B-Channel (now RTV) in Indonesia.
2011: Creative Arts Emmys Awards
In 2011, American Idol won two Creative Arts Emmys and the first Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Reality Competition.
2011: End of American Idol's Reign as Top-Rated Show
In 2011, American Idol's seven-year run as the most-watched show on American television came to an end.
2011: Scotty McCreery Wins Season 10
In 2011, Scotty McCreery won American Idol. McCreery released "I Love You This Big" as his coronation song, while runner-up Lauren Alaina released "Like My Mother Does." McCreery's debut album, Clear as Day, reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.
2011: Simon Cowell leaves to pursue The X Factor
In 2011, Simon Cowell left American Idol to introduce the American version of his show The X Factor.
January 18, 2012: Season 11 Premiere
On January 18, 2012, the eleventh season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson returning as judges. The Top 24 became the Top 25 with Jermaine Jones. However, on March 14, Jones was disqualified.
2012: Decline in American Idol Ratings
Beginning in 2012, American Idol experienced several years of sharp declining ratings, with rating falls of over 20% each season.
2012: Nielsen Ratings Victory
From 2004 to 2012, Idol helped Fox achieve the longest period of 18–49 demographic victory in the Nielsen ratings, standing at 8 straight years.
2012: American Idol Broadcasting in Philippines
From 2012–16, 2018–19 American Idol was broadcasted in the Philippines on ETC.
2012: American Idol's Reign as Top Primetime Series Ends
In 2012, American Idol ended its almost decade-long run as the most-watched non-scripted primetime television series in the U.S., marking a shift in television viewership trends.
2012: People's Choice Award
In 2012, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
2012: Fox's Demographic Dominance Ends
In 2012, American Idol's success story ended when Fox's unprecedented eight-year reign as the number one U.S. TV network among adults aged 18–49 also ended.
2012: Harry Connick, Jr. Serves as a Mentor
In 2012, Harry Connick, Jr. served as a mentor for American Idol. This was mentioned when he rejoined the show as a judge in 2014.
2012: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler Leave the Judging Panel
In 2012, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler both left the American Idol judging panel after two seasons.
2012: Analysis of Contestants' Origins
In 2012, an analysis of the 131 contestants who have appeared in the finals of all seasons of American Idol up to that point found that 48% have some connection to the Southern United States.
January 16, 2013: Season 12 Premiere
On January 16, 2013, the twelfth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson returning as a judge. Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj joined the judging panel.
2013: American Idol Broadcasting in Indonesia
From 2011 to 2013 season, American Idol was broadcast by B-Channel (now RTV) in Indonesia.
2013: Ranked on TV Guide's List of Best Series
In 2013, TV Guide ranked American Idol No. 48 on its list of the 60 Best Series of All Time.
2013: Significant Demographic Decline
In 2013, the thirteenth season suffered a huge decline in the 18–49 demographic, a drop of 28% from the twelfth season.
January 15, 2014: Season 13 Premiere
On January 15, 2014, the thirteenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Keith Urban returning as a judge. Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. joined Urban on the judging panel. Randy Jackson became the in-house mentor.
August 2014: Yes TV Picks Up Canadian Rights to American Idol
In August 2014, Yes TV announced that it had picked up Canadian rights to American Idol beginning in its 2015 season after CTV dropped the show.
August 30, 2014: The American Idol Experience Closes
On August 30, 2014, The American Idol Experience attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios closed.
2014: Ad Revenue Falls to $427 Million
By 2014, ad revenue from American Idol had fallen to $427 million, with a 30-second spot costing less than $300,000.
2014: American Idol Broadcasting in Australia
During the thirteenth and fourteenth seasons (2014–15), American Idol aired on digital channel, Eleven, a sister channel to Network Ten in Australia.
2014: Randy Jackson returns and then permanently leaves
In 2014, after departing the judges table after twelve seasons, Randy Jackson returned as the in-house mentor for the thirteenth season, after which he left the show permanently.
January 7, 2015: Season 14 Premiere
On January 7, 2015, the fourteenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host, and Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. returning as judges. Adam Lambert filled in for Urban during the New York City auditions, and Scott Borchetta replaced Randy Jackson as mentor.
May 11, 2015: Final Season Announcement
On May 11, 2015, Fox announced that the fifteenth season would be the final season of American Idol, with an added focus on alumni.
2015: Underwood Most Successful Idol Contestant
As of 2015, Carrie Underwood had become the most successful American Idol contestant in the U.S., having sold 16 million albums in the country.
2015: Yes TV to Broadcast American Idol
In 2015, Yes TV began broadcasting American Idol in Canada after acquiring the rights to the show.
January 6, 2016: Season 15 Premiere
On January 6, 2016, the fifteenth and final season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host, and Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, and Jennifer Lopez returning as judges. The season was shortened by four weeks.
April 7, 2016: American Idol concludes its run on Fox
On April 7, 2016, American Idol concluded its initial run on Fox after 15 seasons. The show then went on hiatus.
April 2016: Fifteenth Season of American Idol Ends on Fox
In April 2016, the fifteenth season of American Idol concluded its run on Fox due to declining ratings.
2016: Sales of American Idol Contestants
At the end of American Idol's original run on Fox in 2016, its contestants had sold more than 60 million albums in the U.S. and over 100 million records globally, with more than 175 certified platinum or gold.
2016: Number of Imitative Singing Shows Reaches 17
By 2016, the number of imitative singing shows on American television that were based on American Idol had reached 17.
2016: Alumni Achievement on Billboard Charts
By its last year of broadcast in 2016, American Idol alumni had achieved 458 number ones on the Billboard charts in the U.S., with Kelly Clarkson achieving 100 number ones alone.
2016: American Idol Broadcasting in Australia
During 2016, American Idol's final season aired on Fox8 hours after the original U.S. broadcast in Australia.
2016: American Idol Broadcast on Fox
From 2002 to 2016, the show was aired live in several countries simulcast with the U.S. broadcast on Fox. In Canada, the first thirteen seasons of American Idol were aired live countrywide by CTV and/or CTV Two, in simulcast with Fox.
2016: Concludes Run Without Dropping in Nielsen Rankings
In 2016, American Idol ended its run as Fox's first-ever program to conclude its run without dropping from the Nielsen Top 30 most-watched television shows in each of its seasons.
2016: Never Regained Top 10 Position
In 2016, American Idol never regained its Top 10 position by the series' end.
2016: American Idol cancelled after the fifteenth season
In 2016, American Idol was cancelled after its fifteenth season. Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. remained on the show until its cancellation.
2016: Dunkleman returns for the initial series finale
In 2016, Brian Dunkleman returned for the initial American Idol series finale on Fox as a guest.
2016: American Idol Alumni Score 13 Grammy Awards
Up to its end in 2016, alumni of American Idol's original run had won 13 Grammy Awards out of 54 nominations.
May 2017: ABC Acquires Rights to American Idol
In May 2017, ABC acquired the rights to the American Idol series.
May 2017: ABC Bids to Revive American Idol
In May 2017, ABC was making a bid to revive American Idol after initial talks with NBC and Fox faltered. ABC eventually acquired the rights to the series.
July 2017: Ryan Seacrest Returns as Host
In July 2017, it was announced that Ryan Seacrest would return as host for the revived American Idol series.
September 2017: New Judging Panel Announced
In September 2017, it was revealed that Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie would serve as judges for the revived American Idol series.
2017: American Idol Returns to CTV Two
In 2017, it was announced that American Idol would return to CTV Two for its sixteenth season.
March 11, 2018: American Idol revival on ABC
On March 11, 2018, American Idol was revived and began airing on ABC after being on hiatus.
March 2018: American Idol Returns on ABC
In March 2018, American Idol returned for its sixteenth season, airing on ABC.
May 21, 2018: Maddie Poppe Wins Season 16
On May 21, 2018, Maddie Poppe was crowned the winner of season 16 of American Idol on ABC, with Caleb Lee Hutchinson as runner-up and Gabby Barrett in third place. Her winning song was "Going, Going, Gone".
2018: American Idol Broadcasting in Philippines
From 2012–16, 2018–19 American Idol was broadcasted in the Philippines on ETC.
2018: American Idol Revived on ABC
In 2018, American Idol was revived by ABC with Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie as judges for the sixteenth season.
2018: Seacrest sole host of American Idol
In 2018, Ryan Seacrest remained as sole host of American Idol.
March 3, 2019: Season 17 Premiere
On March 3, 2019, the seventeenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host, and Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie returning as judges.
April 8, 2019: Bobby Bones Subbed for Ryan Seacrest
On April 8, 2019, during the seventeenth season, Bobby Bones subbed for Ryan Seacrest as host of American Idol after Seacrest fell ill.
May 13, 2019: Season 18 Renewal
On May 13, 2019, American Idol was renewed for an eighteenth season with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie returning as judges.
May 19, 2019: Laine Hardy Wins Season 17
On May 19, 2019, Laine Hardy was crowned the winner of season 17 of American Idol, with Alejandro Aranda as runner-up. Hardy released a single, "Flame", immediately after the win.
June 28, 2019: Alejandro Aranda Releases "Tonight"
On June 28, 2019, Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty) released the song "Tonight", which he performed in the finale.
2019: Finals Venue for American Idol
From 2002 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022, the finals of American Idol were broadcast from CBS Television City in Los Angeles.
February 16, 2020: Season 18 Premiere
On February 16, 2020, the eighteenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host, and Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie returning as judges.
May 15, 2020: Season 19 Renewal
On May 15, 2020, American Idol was renewed for a nineteenth season with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie returning as judges.
February 14, 2021: Season 19 Premiere
On February 14, 2021, the nineteenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host, and Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie returning as judges.
May 13, 2021: American Idol renewed for a twentieth season
On May 13, 2021, ABC renewed American Idol for a twentieth season. Seacrest returned as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returned as judges.
2021: Finals Venue for American Idol
From 2002 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022, the finals of American Idol were broadcast from CBS Television City in Los Angeles.
February 27, 2022: American Idol twentieth season premiere
On February 27, 2022, the twentieth season of American Idol premiered, with Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returning as judges.
May 13, 2022: American Idol renewed for a twenty-first season
On May 13, 2022, ABC renewed American Idol for a twenty-first season. Seacrest returned as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returned as judges.
2022: Finals Venue for American Idol
From 2002 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022, the finals of American Idol were broadcast from CBS Television City in Los Angeles.
February 19, 2023: American Idol twenty-first season premiere
On February 19, 2023, the twenty-first season of American Idol premiered. Seacrest returned as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returned as judges.
May 16, 2023: American Idol renewed for a twenty-second season
On May 16, 2023, ABC renewed American Idol for a twenty-second season. Seacrest returned as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returned as judges.
2023: New Venue for American Idol Finals
Starting in 2023, the venue for American Idol finals changed to Red Studios.
February 2024: Katy Perry announces departure
In February 2024, Katy Perry announced that the twenty-second season would be her last as a judge on American Idol.
February 18, 2024: American Idol twenty-second season premiere
On February 18, 2024, the twenty-second season of American Idol premiered. Seacrest returned as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returned as judges.
May 10, 2024: American Idol renewed for a twenty-third season
On May 10, 2024, ABC renewed American Idol for a twenty-third season and announced that the network was in talks with "high-profile stars" to replace Perry.
May 2024: Katy Perry leaves American Idol
In May 2024, Katy Perry left American Idol after seven seasons as a judge.
July 31, 2024: Carrie Underwood to replace Katy Perry on American Idol
On July 31, 2024, it was announced that former Idol winner Carrie Underwood would replace Katy Perry as a judge, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for the twenty-third season.
2024: American Idol Broadcasting in Philippines
Since 2024, American Idol is broadcasted in the Philippines on TV5.
March 9, 2025: American Idol twenty-third season premiere
On March 9, 2025, the twenty-third season of American Idol premiered, with Underwood named as Perry's successor.
May 9, 2025: American Idol renewed for a twenty-fourth season
On May 9, 2025, it was announced that American Idol had been renewed for a twenty-fourth season.
May 2025: Eight seasons of American Idol have aired on ABC.
As of May 2025, eight seasons of American Idol have aired on ABC.
August 2025: Judges for the Twenty-Fourth Season Announced
In August 2025, it was announced that Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood would return as judges for the twenty-fourth season of American Idol.
January 2026: American Idol Season 24 Premiere Announced
In January 2026, it was announced that the twenty-fourth season of American Idol would premiere. Bryan, Richie, Underwood would return as judges; Seacrest would return as host.
January 26, 2026: American Idol Season 24 Premieres
On January 26, 2026, the twenty-fourth season of American Idol premiered.
2026: American Idol's Viewership Record
As of 2026, 2008 marks the most recent time that a live regular non-sports primetime series like American Idol has garnered such viewership in the country, surpassing the Academy Awards.
2026: American Idol Finalists Win Awards
As of 2026, American Idol finalists have won five Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Tony Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and Critics' Choice Award.
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