American Idol

Watch American Idol

  • TV-PG
  • 2009
  • 21 Seasons
  • 4.2  (21,929)

American Idol is an American singing competition that premiered on June 11, 2002, on Fox. The show aims to find talented singers from across the country and put them on a national platform to showcase their abilities. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the show became an instant hit and has since become a cultural phenomenon. In the early seasons of the show, Seacrest was joined by co-host Brian Dunkleman. However, Dunkleman's role was later trimmed down to just the audition episodes, and he was eventually replaced by a rotating group of guest hosts before Seacrest became the sole host. The show follows a simple premise: contestants audition for a panel of judges who determine whether they will advance to the next stage of the competition or be sent home. Contestants who make it through the audition round then compete in a series of live performances, where they are judged by the viewing audience and the judges. Each week, the contestant with the lowest number of votes is eliminated. The original trio of judges consisted of music executive Randy Jackson, singer Paula Abdul, and songwriter/producer Simon Cowell. The judges were known for their blunt critiques, with Cowell in particular earning a reputation for being harsh. Over the show's 19 seasons, it has become known for its memorable performances, emotional moments, and the discovery of talented performers who have gone on to become major stars. Among the show's alumni are Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Phillip Phillips, and more. The show has undergone several changes over the years, including numerous format changes and the departure of original judge Paula Abdul after eight seasons. Additional judges who have been featured on the show include Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. In 2018, American Idol moved to ABC, with longtime host Ryan Seacrest returning to his hosting duties. The show also brought back judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. The current iteration of the show is still going strong, with viewers tuning in to see who will be crowned the next American Idol. In conclusion, American Idol has been a mainstay of American television for nearly two decades. Its concept of discovering talented singers and giving them a platform to showcase their abilities has made it one of the most successful and beloved competition shows of all time. With its charismatic host, rotating panel of judges, and unforgettable performances, it's no wonder that fans continue to Watch American Idol Online to this day.

American Idol
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Seasons
Season Finale
20. Season Finale
May 21, 2023
The live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale features special performances from music legends and today's top artists, with the Top 3 contestants taking the stage for the final time as America decides who will become the next American Idol.
Journey to the Finale
19. Journey to the Finale
May 15, 2023
What does it take to become the next American Idol? Featuring never-before-seen footage of this season's finalists, this special episode takes a deeper look at the journeys from hometown to Hollywood for this season's contestants.
Disney Night
18. Disney Night
May 14, 2023
Celebrate the magic of Disney as the Top 5 contestants perform songs from the iconic Disney songbook LIVE while America votes for the Top 3 contestants headed to the finale.
Top 8: Alanis Morissette/Ed Sheeran
17. Top 8: Alanis Morissette/Ed Sheeran
May 7, 2023
The Top 8 contestants perform LIVE coast to coast in front of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as audiences across the country cast their vote for the Top 5.
Judge's Song Contest
16. Judge's Song Contest
May 1, 2023
The Judge's Song Contest returns as judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie each suggest songs for the contestants to choose from. America votes for the Top 7 LIVE coast to coast.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night
15. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night
April 30, 2023
The competition heats up as the Top 12 contestants perform for superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as America's vote for the Top 10 is revealed LIVE coast to coast.
Top 12 Reveal
14. Top 12 Reveal
April 24, 2023
The Top 20 contestants perform LIVE, with overnight voting results revealing 10 Idol hopefuls who will continue. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will choose two singers to round out the Top 12 competing to be the next American Idol.
Top 20
13. Top 20
April 23, 2023
The contestants return to Hollywood to learn the results of America's first votes for the Top 20, performing again in hopes of securing a spot in the Top 12. "American Idol" 2022 winner Noah Thompson and runner-up HunterGirl will also take the stage.
Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #2
12. Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #2
April 17, 2023
Noah Cyrus serves as mentor, offering advice to contestants hoping to earn America's vote.
Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #1
11. Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #1
April 16, 2023
Singer-songwriter Allen Stone mentors hopefuls vying for America's first open vote of the season.
Showstopper/Final Judgment Part #2
10. Showstopper/Final Judgment Part #2
April 10, 2023
Performing with a band for the first time, Idol hopefuls sing their hearts out in their last chance to make it to America's vote. In the Final Judgment, two pairs of contestants face off with the judges sealing their fate for the next round.
Showstopper/Final Judgment Part #1
9. Showstopper/Final Judgment Part #1
April 9, 2023
Performing with a band for the first time, Idol hopefuls sing their hearts out in their last chance to make it to America's vote. In the Final Judgment, two pairs of contestants face off with the judges sealing their fate for the next round.
Hollywood Week Part #2
8. Hollywood Week Part #2
April 3, 2023
Hopefuls from across the country gather to battle it out in solo performances, with the goal of making it through to the Showcase Round.
Hollywood Week Part #1
7. Hollywood Week Part #1
April 2, 2023
Fan-favorite "American Idol" alumni return as contestant mentors to build confidence, stage presence and songwriting as they prepare for amazing performances on the iconic Hollywood Week stage.
Auditions 5
6. Auditions 5
March 26, 2023
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville to find the next singing sensation. Emmy(R) Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest hosts.
Auditions 4
5. Auditions 4
March 19, 2023
The judges search New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville, Tenn., to find the next singing sensation.
Auditions 3A
4. Auditions 3A
March 12, 2023
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville to find the next singing sensation. Emmy(R) Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest hosts.
Auditions 3
3. Auditions 3
March 5, 2023
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville to find the next singing sensation. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest hosts.
Auditions 2
2. Auditions 2
February 26, 2023
Hopefuls audition for the judges in New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville.
Auditions 1
1. Auditions 1
February 20, 2023
Auditions in New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville.
Description

American Idol is an American singing competition that premiered on June 11, 2002, on Fox. The show aims to find talented singers from across the country and put them on a national platform to showcase their abilities. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the show became an instant hit and has since become a cultural phenomenon.

In the early seasons of the show, Seacrest was joined by co-host Brian Dunkleman. However, Dunkleman's role was later trimmed down to just the audition episodes, and he was eventually replaced by a rotating group of guest hosts before Seacrest became the sole host.

The show follows a simple premise: contestants audition for a panel of judges who determine whether they will advance to the next stage of the competition or be sent home. Contestants who make it through the audition round then compete in a series of live performances, where they are judged by the viewing audience and the judges. Each week, the contestant with the lowest number of votes is eliminated.

The original trio of judges consisted of music executive Randy Jackson, singer Paula Abdul, and songwriter/producer Simon Cowell. The judges were known for their blunt critiques, with Cowell in particular earning a reputation for being harsh.

Over the show's 19 seasons, it has become known for its memorable performances, emotional moments, and the discovery of talented performers who have gone on to become major stars. Among the show's alumni are Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Phillip Phillips, and more.

The show has undergone several changes over the years, including numerous format changes and the departure of original judge Paula Abdul after eight seasons. Additional judges who have been featured on the show include Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.

In 2018, American Idol moved to ABC, with longtime host Ryan Seacrest returning to his hosting duties. The show also brought back judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. The current iteration of the show is still going strong, with viewers tuning in to see who will be crowned the next American Idol.

In conclusion, American Idol has been a mainstay of American television for nearly two decades. Its concept of discovering talented singers and giving them a platform to showcase their abilities has made it one of the most successful and beloved competition shows of all time. With its charismatic host, rotating panel of judges, and unforgettable performances, it's no wonder that fans continue to Watch American Idol Online to this day.

American Idol is a series that is currently running and has 21 seasons (720 episodes). The series first aired on January 8, 2009.

Where to Watch American Idol

American Idol is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch American Idol on demand at and ABC.

  • Premiere Date
    January 8, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    4.2  (21,929)