History of American Idol in Timeline
American Idol is a singing competition TV series created by Simon Fuller. It was initially produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment and aired on Fox for 15 seasons from 2002 to 2016. After a hiatus, the show was revived and began airing on ABC in 2018. The show's format involves discovering new solo recording artists, with contestants performing live and viewers voting to determine the winner.
2001: Pop Idol format pitched to US networks
In 2001, Fuller, Cowell, and Jones attempted to sell the Pop Idol format to the United States, but received poor responses from all the television networks including UPN and Fox.
2001: Pop Idol debuts in Britain
In 2001, Pop Idol, created by Simon Fuller, debuted in Britain with Nigel Lythgoe as showrunner and Simon Cowell as one of the judges, becoming a success with the viewing public.
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.
June 2002: American Idol premiere
In June 2002, American Idol premiered and became a hit show. The first episode drew 9.9 million viewers, while the finale averaged 23 million viewers, with over 40 million watching some part of the show.
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.
2002: American Idol aired on RCTI in Indonesia
From 2002 to 2003 season American Idol aired on RCTI in Indonesia.
2002: American Idol aired on Network Ten in Australia
From 2002 to 2008 American Idol aired on Network Ten in Australia.
2002: American Idol simulcast on Fox (2002-2016) and ABC (since 2018)
From 2002 to 2016 American Idol was simulcast with the U.S. broadcast on Fox and since 2018 on ABC.
2002: Lowest-rated Wednesday show
In 2002, Kristy Lee Cook's elimination show delivered its lowest-rated Wednesday show among the 18–34 demo since the first season.
2002: Early reviews and criticism of American Idol
In 2002, early reviews of American Idol were mixed, with some praising its entertainment value while others criticized its inconsequential music. The show also faced criticism for product placement and commercialism.
2002: First season finals broadcast from CBS Television City
In 2002, the finals of American Idol were broadcast in primetime from Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience at CBS Television City, and lasted eight weeks.
2002: American Idol: The Search for a Superstar debut
In the summer of 2002, the show renamed American Idol: The Search for a Superstar debuted after Rupert Murdoch was persuaded to buy the series. Nigel Lythgoe took over as showrunner.
January 2003: Second season of American Idol airs
In January 2003, the second season of American Idol aired, featuring Ryan Seacrest as the lone host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. Kristin Adams was a correspondent for this season.
2003: American Idol lost its Top 10 position
As a result of a drop of 28% from the twelfth season, 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.
2003: American Idol aired on RCTI in Indonesia
From 2002 to 2003 season American Idol aired on RCTI in Indonesia.
2003: American Idol viewership overtakes Academy Awards
In 2003, American Idol surpassed the Academy Awards as the most-watched non-sports entertainment event on U.S. television.
2003: From Justin to Kelly released
In 2003, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini starred in a musical film titled From Justin to Kelly, which was released but widely panned.
2003: Ruben Studdard's Album Success
In 2003, Ruben Studdard's album, Soulful, became the first debut album by an Idol winner to reach No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.
2003: Average viewership below 20 million
In 2003, the average viewership for the eleventh season of American Idol fell below 20 million viewers for the first time.
2003: Seacrest becomes sole emcee
Starting with the second season in 2003, Ryan Seacrest became the sole emcee of American Idol after Brian Dunkleman quit.
January 19, 2004: Third season premieres
On January 19, 2004, the third season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. William Hung's audition received widespread attention and landed him a record deal.
2004: American Idol becomes the most-watched show on American television
By 2004, American Idol had become the most-watched show on American television.
2004: American Idol aired on ABC in Philippines
From 2004 to 2007, American Idol aired in the Philippines on ABC.
2004: Fox achieve longest period of victory
From 2004 to 2012, American 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 sales of TV ads, albums, merchandise, and concert tickets.
2004: Concerns about power voting expressed
Since 2004, American Idol votes have been affected by online communities such as DialIdol and Vote for the Worst, raising concerns about power voting.
January 18, 2005: Fourth season premieres
On January 18, 2005, the fourth season of American Idol premiered in high definition with Ryan Seacrest as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. The age limit was raised to 28 this season.
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.
2005: Fox leads key demographic viewership for the first of eight years
From 2005, American Idol helped Fox lead in adults aged 18–49, the key demographic for advertisers, for eight consecutive years.
2005: BMG partners with Sony Music Entertainment
From 2005, Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) partnered with Sony Music Entertainment to form a joint venture known as Sony BMG Music Entertainment, to promote and distribute American Idol recordings.
2005: Won the People's Choice Award
In 2005, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
January 17, 2006: Fifth season begins
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. This remains the highest-rated season of the show so far.
May 30, 2006: Taylor Hicks wins American Idol
On May 30, 2006, Taylor Hicks was named American Idol, with Katharine McPhee as the runner-up. "Do I Make You Proud" was released as Hicks' first single and McPhee's was "My Destiny".
September 30, 2006: "American Idol Rewind" syndicated
Starting September 30, 2006, the first season of American Idol was repackaged as "American Idol Rewind" and syndicated directly to stations in the U.S.
2006: Won the People's Choice Award
In 2006, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
2006: Criticism from LeAnn Rimes
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes commented on Carrie Underwood winning Best Female Artist in Country Music Awards over Faith Hill, stating that "Carrie has not paid her dues long enough to fully deserve that award".
January 16, 2007: Sixth season begins
On January 16, 2007, the sixth season of American Idol began with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. The premiere drew a massive audience.
May 24, 2007: "This Is My Now" Release
On May 24, 2007, "This Is My Now", the winning song from the American Idol Songwriter contest, was released by Sparks after being performed by both finalists during the finale.
2007: American Idol aired on ABC in Philippines
From 2004 to 2007, American Idol aired in the Philippines on ABC.
2007: BMG partners with Sony Music Entertainment
From 2005-2007, Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) partnered with Sony Music Entertainment to form a joint venture known as Sony BMG Music Entertainment, to promote and distribute American Idol recordings.
2007: American Idol alums account for 2.1% of all music sales
In 2007, American Idol alumni accounted for 2.1% of all music sales and had become "a dominant force in radio" according to Mediabase.
2007: Won a Creative Arts Emmys and a Governor's 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's Victory
In 2007, Jordin Sparks won American Idol. The next female winner would not be until 2013.
2007: Ratings rebound for seventh season
In 2007, the ratings rebounded for the seventh-season finale, making it the series' third most watched finale. This helped Fox become the most watched TV network for the first time.
January 15, 2008: Season 7 Premiere
On January 15, 2008, American Idol's seventh season premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. The media focused on the contestants' professional status, especially those with prior recording contracts.
March 11, 2008: New Set and Stage Debut
On March 11, 2008, for the finals, American Idol debuted a new state-of-the-art set and stage, along with a new on-air look.
April 9, 2008: Idol Gives Back
On April 9, 2008, Idol Gives Back returned and 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, marking the first rocker to win the show. Cook and Archuleta both achieved success as recording artists, each selling over a million albums in the U.S.
May 22, 2008: "The Time of My Life" Release
On May 22, 2008, "The Time of My Life", the winning song from the American Idol Songwriter contest, was recorded by David Cook and released.
2008: American Idol aired on Network Ten in Australia
From 2002 to 2008 American Idol aired on Network Ten in Australia.
2008: Sony Music handles distribution of American Idol's music
From 2008, following their acquisition of BMG, Sony Music handled the distribution of American Idol's music.
2008: American Idol aired on QTV in Philippines
From 2008–11, American Idol aired in the Philippines on QTV, then GMA News TV.
2008: American Idol viewership overtakes Academy Awards
In 2008, American Idol once again overtook the Academy Awards as the most-watched non-sports entertainment event on U.S. television.
2008: Fox becomes number one U.S. TV network
In 2008, American Idol pushed Fox to become the number one U.S. TV network in overall viewers.
2008: Won a Creative Arts Emmy
In 2008, American Idol won a Creative Arts Emmy.
2008: Overall ratings decline
In 2008, the overall ratings for season seven were down 10% from season six, aligning with the fall in viewership across all networks due to the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike.
January 13, 2009: Season 8 Premiere
On January 13, 2009, American Idol's eighth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. Kara DioGuardi was introduced as a fourth judge. The season focused more on 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 its Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, allowing park guests to audition and perform on a replica of the Idol set.
2009: Bruce Gower won a Primetime Emmy Award
In 2009, 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: Season 8 Changes
In 2009, Nigel Lythgoe left 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 after failing to agree to terms with the show's producers.
2009: Popularity in the Southern United States
In 2009, during the eighth season, households in the Southeastern United States were 10% more likely to watch American Idol, and those in the East Central region, such as Kentucky, were 16% more likely to tune in.
January 12, 2010: Season 9 Premiere
On January 12, 2010, American Idol's ninth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul. General Larry Platt's "Pants on the Ground" became a viral hit.
January 2010: Music sales by contestants
As of January 2010, Nielsen SoundScan data showed that of the 47 million CDs sold by American Idol contestants, 85% were by contestants with ties to the American South.
April 21, 2010: Idol Gives Back
On April 21, 2010, Idol Gives Back returned and raised $45 million.
2010: PepsiCo's market share falls to third place
By 2010, PepsiCo's market share had fallen to third place in the United States, partially attributed to declining to sponsor American Idol at the show's start.
2010: Four winners each had more than a million radio spins
By 2010, four American Idol winners each had more than a million radio spins, with Kelly Clarkson leading with over four million spins.
2010: Won the People's Choice Award
In 2010, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
2010: Changes in judging panel: DeGeneres and DioGuardi leave, Cowell departs
In 2010, Ellen DeGeneres left after one season, Kara DioGuardi was let go, and Simon Cowell left American Idol to introduce the American version of The X Factor.
2010: Harry Connick Jr. Served as Mentor
In 2010, Harry Connick Jr. served as a mentor for Idol.
2010: UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M Records becomes the music label for American Idol
In 2010, UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M Records replaced Sony as the music label for American Idol.
2010: Viewer number fell
In the tenth season, 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. Nevertheless, in the 2010–11 television season, Fox maintained its lead on over other networks with its seventh consecutive season of victory overall in the 18–49 demographic ratings in the United States.
2010: Idol's ratings streak broken
On February 17, 2010, during the ninth season, NBC's coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics beat American Idol in the same time slot with 30.1 million viewers over Idol's 18.4 million, breaking a six-year streak. However, American Idol overall finished its ninth season as the most watched TV series for the sixth year running.
January 19, 2011: Season 10 Premiere
On January 19, 2011, American Idol's tenth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Randy Jackson returning as a judge. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joined the judging panel.
April 7, 2011: Pia Toscano's Elimination
On April 7, 2011, Pia Toscano, a favorite to advance far in the season, was unexpectedly eliminated in ninth place, drawing criticism.
2011: American Idol aired on B-Channel (now RTV) in Indonesia
From 2011 to 2013 season American Idol was broadcast by B-Channel (now RTV) in Indonesia.
2011: Won a Creative Arts Emmys
In 2011, American Idol won a Creative Arts Emmys and Critics' Choice Television Award
2011: American Idol's streak as most-watched show ends
In 2011, American Idol's seven-year streak as the most-watched show on American television ended.
2011: Season 10 Conclusion
In 2011, Scotty McCreery won American Idol. McCreery released "I Love You This Big" as his coronation song, and his debut album, Clear as Day, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Lauren Alaina released "Like My Mother Does."
2011: Cowell introduces The X Factor in America
In 2011, Simon Cowell introduced the American version of his show, The X Factor.
January 18, 2012: Season 11 Premiere
On January 18, 2012, American Idol's eleventh season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson returning as judges. The Top 24 became the Top 25 with Jermaine Jones.
2012: American Idol aired on ETC in Philippines
From 2012–16, 2018–19 American Idol aired in the Philippines on ETC.
2012: Won the People's Choice Award
In 2012, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
2012: American Idol ends decade-long run as most watched non-scripted primetime TV series
In 2012, American Idol's nearly decade-long run as the most watched non-scripted primetime television series came to an end.
2012: Fox concludes eight years as number one U.S. TV network
In 2012, Fox concluded an unprecedented eight consecutive years as the number one U.S. TV network in the key 18-49 demographic, a success boosted by American Idol.
2012: Harry Connick Jr. Served as Mentor
In 2012, Harry Connick Jr. served as a mentor for Idol.
2012: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler leave judging panel
In 2012, after two seasons, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler left the judging panel of American Idol.
2012: Analysis of contestants
In 2012, an analysis of the 131 contestants who appeared in the finals of all seasons of American Idol up to that point found that 48% had some connection to the Southern United States.
2012: The eleventh season suffered a steep drop in ratings
In 2012, the eleventh season of American Idol suffered a steep drop in ratings, falling 16–21% in overall viewer numbers and 24–27% in the 18/49 demo for the first two episodes, while the season finale fell 27% in total viewer number and 30% in the 18–49 demo. American Idol lost the leading position in both the total viewers number and the 18/49 demo.
2012: American Idol experiences sharp decline in ratings
Starting in 2012, American Idol experienced a few years of sharp declining ratings, with rating falls of over 20% each season.
January 16, 2013: Season 12 Premiere
On January 16, 2013, American Idol's twelfth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Randy Jackson returning as a judge. Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj joined the judging panel.
2013: American Idol aired on B-Channel (now RTV) in Indonesia
From 2011 to 2013 season American Idol was broadcast by B-Channel (now RTV) in Indonesia.
2013: American Idol aired on Network Ten in Australia
In 2013 American Idol aired on Network Ten in Australia.
2013: TV Guide ranked the series No. 48
In 2013, TV Guide ranked American Idol No. 48 on its list of the 60 Best Series of All Time.
2013: The twelfth season saw the show hitting a number of series low
In 2013, the loss of viewers continued into the twelfth season, which saw the show hitting a number of series low in the 18–49 demo. The finale had 7.2 million fewer viewers than the previous season, and saw a drop of 44% in the 18–49 demo.
January 15, 2014: Season 13 Premiere
On January 15, 2014, American Idol's thirteenth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Keith Urban returning as a judge. Former judges Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. joined Urban on the panel. Randy Jackson returned as a mentor.
August 2014: Yes TV picks up Canadian rights to American Idol
In August 2014, after CTV dropped American Idol, Yes TV announced that it had picked up Canadian rights to the show starting with the 2015 season.
August 30, 2014: The American Idol Experience Attraction Closes
On August 30, 2014, "The American Idol Experience" attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios closed.
2014: Ad revenue from American Idol falls to $427 million
By 2014, ad revenue from American Idol had fallen to $427 million, with a 30-second spot going for less than $300,000.
2014: American Idol aired on digital channel Eleven in Australia
From 2014–15 American Idol aired on digital channel, Eleven, a sister channel to Network Ten in Australia.
2014: Randy Jackson returns as in-house mentor
In 2014, after departing the judges table after twelve seasons, Randy Jackson returned to American Idol as the in-house mentor for the thirteenth season before leaving the show permanently.
January 7, 2015: Season 14 Premiere
On January 7, 2015, American Idol's fourteenth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. returning as judges. Scott Borchetta replaced Randy Jackson as the 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.
2015: Underwood becomes most successful Idol contestant in the U.S.
As of 2015, Carrie Underwood has become the most successful American Idol contestant in the U.S., selling 16 million albums in the country and 65 million records worldwide.
2015: Yes TV airs American Idol in Canada
Starting in 2015, Yes TV began airing American Idol in Canada.
January 6, 2016: Season 15 Premiere
On January 6, 2016, American Idol's fifteenth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, and Jennifer Lopez all returning as judges.
April 7, 2016: Final episode of American Idol on Fox
After 15 seasons, American Idol aired its last episode on Fox on April 7, 2016, before going on hiatus.
April 2016: American Idol ends its run on Fox
After declining ratings, the fifteenth season of American Idol was its last on Fox, ending its run in April 2016.
2016: Never regained its Top 10 position
American Idol never regained its Top 10 position by the series' end in 2016.
2016: American Idol cancelled after the fifteenth season
American Idol was cancelled after the fifteenth season in 2016.
2016: Number of imitative singing shows reaches 17
By 2016, the number of singing-competition shows imitating American Idol on American television had reached 17.
2016: American Idol alums reach 458 number ones 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 100 achieved by Kelly Clarkson alone.
2016: American Idol Alumni Score Grammy Wins
By the end of its original run in 2016, American Idol alumni had achieved 13 Grammy Award wins out of 54 nominations.
2016: Idol contestants sell over 60 million albums in the U.S.
By the end of its original run on Fox in 2016, American Idol contestants had sold more than 60 million albums in the U.S. and more than 100 million records globally.
2016: American Idol simulcast on Fox (2002-2016) and ABC (since 2018)
From 2002 to 2016 American Idol was simulcast with the U.S. broadcast on Fox and since 2018 on ABC.
2016: American Idol aired on Fox8 in Australia
In 2016, American Idol aired on Fox8 in Australia.
2016: Show ended without dropping from the Nielsen Top 30
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: Dunkleman returns for finale
In 2016, Brian Dunkleman returned as a guest for the initial series finale of American Idol on Fox.
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 made a bid to revive the program, and acquired the rights to the series, and American Idol returned for the 2017–18 television season.
July 2017: Ryan Seacrest Returns as Host
In July 2017, it was announced that Ryan Seacrest would return as host for the revival of American Idol.
September 2017: Judges Announced
In September 2017, it was revealed that Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie would serve as judges for the revival of American Idol.
2017: American Idol returns to CTV Two in Canada
In 2017, it was announced that American Idol would return to CTV Two in Canada for its sixteenth season.
March 11, 2018: American Idol revival on ABC
American Idol returned to television on March 11, 2018, with a revival of the series airing on ABC after being on hiatus.
March 2018: Revived American Idol airs on ABC
In March 2018, the first season of the revived American Idol series, the sixteenth season overall, started airing on ABC.
May 21, 2018: Maddie Poppe Wins Season 16
On May 21, 2018, Maddie Poppe was crowned the winner of American Idol, with Caleb Lee Hutchinson as runner-up and Gabby Barrett in third place. Poppe's winning song was "Going, Going, Gone". Caleb Lee Hutchinson released "Johnny Cash Heart", and Gabby Barrett's song was "Rivers Deep".
2018: American Idol simulcast on Fox (2002-2016) and ABC (since 2018)
From 2002 to 2016 American Idol was simulcast with the U.S. broadcast on Fox and since 2018 on ABC.
2018: American Idol aired on ETC in Philippines
From 2012–16, 2018–19 American Idol aired in the Philippines on ETC.
2018: American Idol revived on ABC with new judges
In 2018, American Idol was revived by ABC with Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie selected as judges for the sixteenth season.
2018: Seacrest resumes hosting duties after hiatus
Ryan Seacrest resumed his duties as the sole host of American Idol in 2018 after the show's two-year hiatus.
March 3, 2019: Season 17 Premiere
On March 3, 2019, American Idol's seventeenth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returning as judges.
April 8, 2019: Bobby Bones subs for Seacrest
On April 8, 2019, during the seventeenth season, Bobby Bones subbed for Ryan Seacrest after the latter fell ill.
May 13, 2019: Season 18 Renewal
On May 13, 2019, American Idol was renewed for an eighteenth season.
May 19, 2019: Laine Hardy Wins Season 17
On May 19, 2019, Laine Hardy was crowned the winner 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 released a song he performed in the finale, "Tonight", under the name Scarypoolparty.
2019: Finals broadcast from CBS Television City
In 2019, the finals of American Idol were broadcast in primetime from Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience at CBS Television City.
February 16, 2020: Season 18 Premiere
On February 16, 2020, American Idol's eighteenth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returning as judges.
May 15, 2020: Season 19 Renewal
On May 15, 2020, American Idol was renewed for a nineteenth season.
February 14, 2021: Season 19 Premiere
On February 14, 2021, American Idol's nineteenth season premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and 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, with Bryan, Perry, and Richie as judges.
2021: Finals broadcast from CBS Television City
In 2021, the finals of American Idol were broadcast in primetime from Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience at CBS Television City.
February 27, 2022: American Idol's twentieth season premiere
On February 27, 2022, the twentieth season of American Idol premiered, with Seacrest 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, with Bryan, Perry, and Richie as judges.
2022: Finals broadcast from CBS Television City
In 2022, the finals of American Idol were broadcast in primetime from Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience at CBS Television City.
February 19, 2023: American Idol's twenty-first season premiere
On February 19, 2023, the twenty-first season of American Idol premiered, with Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returning 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: Finals venue changed to Red Studios
Starting in 2023, the venue for American Idol finals changed to Red Studios in Los Angeles.
February 2024: Katy Perry announced departure
In February 2024, Katy Perry announced that the twenty-second season would be her last on American Idol.
February 18, 2024: American Idol's twenty-second season premiere
On February 18, 2024, the twenty-second season of American Idol premiered, with Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returning as judges.
May 10, 2024: American Idol renewed for season twenty-three
On May 10, 2024, ABC renewed American Idol for a twenty-third season and announced 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.
July 31, 2024: Carrie Underwood to replace Katy Perry as judge
On July 31, 2024, it was reported that former Idol winner Carrie Underwood will replace Katy Perry, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for the twenty-third season.
2024: American Idol aired on TV5 in Philippines
Since 2024, American Idol has aired in the Philippines on TV5.
March 9, 2025: Season 23 premiere of American Idol
On March 9, 2025, the twenty-third season of American Idol premiered.
May 9, 2025: American Idol renewed for season twenty-four
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 aired on ABC
As of May 2025, eight seasons of American Idol have been aired on ABC.
August 2025: Bryan, Richie, and Underwood to return as judges
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 to premiere in January 2026
It was announced that the twenty-fourth season of American Idol would premiere in January 2026, with Bryan, Richie, and Underwood returning as judges, and Seacrest returning as host.
January 26, 2026: The twenty-fourth season premiered
On January 26, 2026, the twenty-fourth season of American Idol premiered.
2026: American Idol last live primetime series to garner record viewership
As of 2026, American Idol remains the most recent live regular non-sports primetime series to garner record viewership in the U.S.
2026: American Idol Finalists Achieve Awards
By 2026, American Idol finalists have accumulated 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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