Is ‘American Idol’ on TV Tonight? (May 19, 2025)

If you’re flipping through channels hoping to catch a fresh episode of “American Idol” tonight (Monday, May 19, 2025), we’ve got some news; it’s not on. The show has already wrapped for the season. The live Season 23 finale aired last night (Sunday, May 18) on ABC in a jam-packed, three-hour event that delivered everything fans could’ve asked for: powerhouse vocals, big-name guest performances, and the final vote to crown this year’s winner.

So yeah, no new “Idol” tonight, but that doesn’t mean the party’s over. There’s still plenty of time (and content) to catch up on if you missed any of the madness.

Season 23 Finale Recap & How to Watch Now

Let’s be real; Season 23 had more plot twists than a soap opera. The talent came in strong, but the biggest shake-up? Judge drama. Katy Perry stepped away from the panel, and in a full-circle moment, “Idol” legend Carrie Underwood stepped in. That’s right… Season 4’s winner became the newest face at the judges’ table, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to round out the trio.

The Top 3 this season brought wildly different vibes but shared one thing in common: serious star power, which explains why they made it so far.

• Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old mom from Texas, won fans over with her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances. She was consistently strong, emotional, and real; and America loved her for it.
  
• John Foster, a 21-year-old indie rocker from Nashville, brought gritty vocals, a relaxed stage presence, and that broody charisma that made him a standout from the start.
  
• Jamal Roberts, a 24-year-old soul singer from Chicago, delivered smooth vocals and pure emotion in every performance. He flew a little under the radar early on but ended the season as the one to beat.
  

Missed the finale? No big deal. You can stream the entire episode (and the rest of the season) on ABC.com or Hulu. And if you just want the highlight reel, keep an eye out for clips of Jamal’s winning performances—they’re worth the hype.

So… What’s Next?

Even though Season 23 is done, “American Idol” is far from over. According to Variety, the show’s been officially renewed for Season 24, and auditions are already open. So if you’ve got the pipes (or just the guts) now’s your shot. Head to abc.com/shows/american-idol/auditions to get started.

While there’s no new episode tonight, the “Idol” buzz isn’t dying down anytime soon. Consider this your reminder to catch up, rewatch your favorites, or maybe even start planning your own audition.