The second season rounds out with an epic grand finale event, featuring the Top 3 contestants. The crowning moment is preceded by special performances from music legends, including our own superstar judges, the return of fan-favorite contestants and a special visit by last season’s winner, Maddie Poppe.

Grand Finale

Ryan Seacrest

Lionel Richie

Katy Perry

Luke Bryan

Bobby Bones

Season 3

Top 5

Auditions in Louisville KY, Coeur d’Alene ID, Los Angeles CA, New York NY, and Denver CO.

Auditions (1)

Auditions in Coeur d’Alene ID, Louisville KY, and Los Angeles CA.

Auditions (2)

Auditions in Coeur d’Alene ID, New York NY, Louisville KY, and Los Angeles CA. Lionel Richie reminisces about Mohammed Ali.

Auditions (3)

Auditions from Los Angeles CA, Louisville KY, New York NY, and Coeur d’Alene ID. Stories include a girl reuniting with her egg donor, a performance that Katy Perry shares as one of her favorite voices she has ever heard, an audition that makes Luke Bryan drop to the floor, and emotional family stories that will touch audiences across America.

Auditions (4)

Auditions from Los Angeles CA, New York NY, Louisville KY, and Denver CO see if they have what it takes to move on in the competition. Stories include one surprise audition that no one saw coming, a reunion for judge Luke Bryan, and an incredible story of defying the odds.

Auditions (5)

Tensions are high as this year’s crop of hopefuls battles it out in solo and group round performances from the famous stage of The Orpheum Theatre. Helping to guide them through the rigorous week is in-house mentor Bobby Bones. Don’t miss phenomenal performances from returning fan favorites, an emergency trip to the hospital in an ambulance, and a special moment when one lucky contestant receives a heartfelt gift from Luke Bryan.

Hollywood Week (1)

Contestants battle it out in group rounds and solo performances in the hope of advancing to the next round of the competition. Also, don't miss a surprise on-stage marriage proposal.

Hollywood Week (2)

The showcase round goes to Aulani, A Disney Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, where the show’s Top 40 contestants take to the beach for solo performances in front of a live audience and the judge panel. Afterward, the judges sit down with each contestant to reveal their fate, culminating with the show’s Top 20 finalists.

Showcase & Final Judgment

The top 20 finalists perform in front of a live audience.

Top 20 Solos

The first 10 of the Top 20 finalists perform duets with all-star celebrity partners. Following the performances and during a shocking elimination, the “American Idol” judges will determine which 7 finalists will advance to the Top 14 and get the chance to perform for America’s vote.

All-Star Duets

The remaining 10 of the Top 20 finalists perform duets with all-star celebrity partners. Following the performances, the contestants find out who has made the last 7 spots, rounding out the Top 14 during a final elimination that will leave audiences stunned.

All-Star Duets Part 2

The top 14 contestants perform on the iconic Idol stage for the first time, in hope of winning over the hearts of viewers and being voted through to the next phase of the competition.

Top 14

The 7 contestants with the most votes by America take their spot in the top 10, while the 7 remaining contestants must sing to impress the judges.

Top 10 Reveal

The Top 10 contestants head to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, to prepare for Disney Night. The finalists are joined by celebrity mentor Rebel Wilson. The 3 judges perform a timeless Disney song in Fantasyland. The Top 10 then return to the iconic Idol stage to perform fan-favorite Disney songs in the hope of winning America’s vote for a spot in the Top 8. Lea Michele performs the song “Under the Sea.” Also, Maddie Poppe and Caleb Lee Hutchinson return to the stage to sing a Disney classic duet.

Disney Night

This 2-hour special episode takes a deep dive into each finalist’s journey on the show thus far, highlighting new, never-before-seen songs, stories, performances, and footage, as well as revisiting favorite moments from this season.

Meet Your Finalists

The finalists continue their journey in the competition, paying tribute to one of the world’s most iconic bands, Queen. Each contestant takes on a song from the legendary Queen catalogue, before partnering up for classic movie duet performances. Helping to prepare the Top 8 to rock the stage is alumnus Adam Lambert.

Queen Night

Each contestant performs one inspirationally powerful “showstopper” song, with the help of Grammy Award-winning artist, Lauren Daigle, who serves as celebrity guest mentor. Each finalist also takes on a song performed at the famed Woodstock music festival in 1969.

Woodstock and Show Stoppers

The journey to find the next superstar continues as the remaining five Idol hopefuls leave it all on the stage, singing their hearts out to win America’s vote and land themselves a spot in the coveted season finale.

The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!

Grand Finale

Seasons10

Season 2 Episodes19

Cast5

Discussion

Episode Summary