Here’s what to expect on American Idol this week as Season 23 enters its final stretch, airing LIVE coast to coast from now through the grand finale on Sunday, May 18. This week features two jam-packed episodes full of surprises, power vocals, and crucial eliminations.
Sunday, May 4 – Top 10 Perform: Iconic Women of Music
Themed “Ladies Night,” this episode celebrates iconic women in music, giving the Top 10 a chance to showcase powerhouse performances.
Country superstar Miranda Lambert joins as this week’s mentor, helping contestants choose songs that honor trailblazing female artists across genres. With the theme wide open, singers can lean into their individual styles while paying tribute to legends.
At the end of the night, America votes live, and two contestants will be eliminated, determining the Top 8.
Monday, May 5 – Top 8: Judges Song Contest
The popular Judges Song Contest returns! Each judge — Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood — secretly selects one song for every contestant. The singers are presented with three choices but don’t know which judge picked which. After their performance, they guess the judge behind their chosen song.
The judge who gets the most correct guesses “wins” and helps determine the wildcard pick after America votes the Top 6. The judges will save one more contestant, rounding out the Top 7.
Fan-favorite Jelly Roll returns as artist in residence, likely offering guidance and a performance of his own.
With two eliminations Sunday and one judge’s save Monday, the pressure is on. Only the most compelling and consistent performers will survive as the road to the American Idol finale tightens.
