What Time Is The ‘American Idol’ Season 23 Finale? How To Watch The Top 3

The moment American Idol fans have been waiting for is finally here. Tonight, May 18, the beloved singing competition will crown its Season 23 winner. Here’s everything to know about the star-studded finale, including the start time, performers, contestants, and more.

During the May 12 episode, which marked the second Disney Night, the Top 5 contestants performed two songs from Disney and Pixar films under the mentorship of Oscar-nominated songwriter and Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The group was narrowed down to three, as fans had to say goodbye to Thunderstorm Artis, a 29-year-old musician from Haleiwa, Hawaii, and Slater Nalley, an 18-year-old high school student from Atlanta.

The Top 3 finalists heading into the American Idol Season 23 finale are John Foster (18), Breanna Nix (25), and Jamal Roberts (27). Before they take the stage one last time, each will return home for a special visit.

“They’re going to be in their hometowns, dealing with every person in the world that they’ve ever met,” judge Carrie Underwood teased to TV Insider. The former Idol winner continued, “They’re going to be there with a lot of people that they don’t know, too, all the while thinking about what they’re going to perform for the finale. There are group numbers and people showing up. There’s all that stuff to deal with along with the nerves and the stress.”

Here’s what time to watch, where to tune in, how to vote for your favorite contestants, and more.

What Time Is The American Idol Season 23 Finale?

The American Idol Season 23 finale airs Sunday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ABC.

Who’s Performing During The American Idol Season 23 Finale?

Underwood and fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will sing during the finale. The night will also feature performances by the Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jessica Simpson, Jelly Roll, Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, Jennifer Holliday, Josh Groban, Brandon Lake, Myles Smith, and Kirk Franklin.

How To Watch The American Idol Season 23 Finale

The Season 23 finale of American Idol is airing on ABC. If you don’t have cable, you can watch the singing competition on a live TV streaming service that offers ABC, including DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, and Fubo – all of which currently offer free trials.

The American Idol finale will be available to stream on Hulu starting on Monday, May 19, one day after the broadcast airs on ABC. The streaming service currently offers a 30-day free trial. After the trial period ends, Hulu plans start at $9.99 per month or $99 a year.

How To Vote In The American Idol Season 23 Finale

There are only three ways to vote for the American Idol Season 23 champion, according to ABC. (Note: With all three voting options, you can cast up to 10 votes for each contestant.)

1. Visit AmericanIdol.com/Vote

2. Download the American Idol app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store

3. Text your favorite contestant’s unique contestant number you see on screen to 21523.

Who Are All The American Idol Winners?

Who has won the long-running singing competition in the past? Check out the full list of American Idol winners from Season 1 to now, below.

• Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
• Season 2: Ruben Studdard
• Season 3: Fantasia Barrino
• Season 4: Carrie Underwood
• Season 5: Taylor Hicks
• Season 6: Jordin Sparks
• Season 7: David Cook
• Season 8: Kris Allen
• Season 9: Lee DeWyze
• Season 10: Scotty McCreery
• Season 11: Phillip Phillips
• Season 12: Candice Glover
• Season 13: Caleb Johnson
• Season 14: Nick Fradiani
• Season 15: Trent Harmon
• Season 16: Maddie Poppe
• Season 17: Laine Hardy
• Season 18: Just Sam (Samantha Diaz)
• Season 19: Chayce Beckham
• Season 20: Noah Thompson
• Season 21: Iam Tongi
• Season 22: Abi Carter
• Season 23: TBD

Forbes‘American Idol’ Has Produced Some Of The Most Successful Female Artists This CenturyBy Hugh McIntyre