American Idol 2016 Finale Set for April 7, Fan Favorite Alums Return

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American Idol released the full 2016 schedule, including plans for the semi-finals and finale. “Fan Favorite” contestants will be back to mentor during the 3 week semi-final round, leading to the announcement of the Top 10 (rather than 12). A retrospective will take place during finale week on Tuesday, which will include past contestants, judges etc. Yes, the finale is on Thursday April 7. Short season.

AMERICAN IDOL’s farewell season kicks off tonight, with auditions from around the country. For three weeks, the judges – Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. – and host Ryan Seacrest will travel to Atlanta, Denver, Little Rock, Philadelphia and San Francisco in search of the 15th IDOL. During auditions, former IDOLS, including Nick Fradiani, Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze, also joined in the search.

For three weeks beginning Wednesday, Feb. 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), and Thursday, Feb. 11 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), fan-favorite IDOLS will return to mentor and sing with the Top 24. The semi-finalists will be narrowed down by the judges, Wednesday, Feb. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), leading to the announcement of the Top 10 on Thursday, Feb. 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), and their first performances.

The three-night Grand Finale week kicks off on Tuesday, April 5 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), with “AMERICAN IDOL: American Dream,” a one-hour retrospective episode, featuring Seacrest, current and former judges, contestants and the behind-the-scenes team sharing their IDOL memories. Then, the series will bid farewell when the remaining finalists battle it out live from the Dolby Theatre on Wednesday, April 6 (8:00-9:00 PM live ET/tape-delayed PT). On Thursday, April 7 (8:00-10:00 PM live ET/tape-delayed PT), the 15th AMERICAN IDOL will be crowned and the farewell celebration will continue, as IDOL pays tribute to the past 15 seasons, the amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who called, tweeted, texted and championed their IDOLS.

The schedule (which will be updated HERE)

  • Wednesday January 6  (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Denver and Atlanta Auditions
  • Thursday January 7   (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – San Francisco and Little Rock Auditions
  • Wednesday January 13  (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Philadelphia
  • Thursday January 14  (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Denver and Little Rock
  • Wednesday January 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Philadelphia and San Francisco
  • Thursday January 21  (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Atlanta, Philadelphia, San Francisco
  • Wednesday January 27 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Hollywood Week
  • Thursday January 28 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Hollywood Week
  • Wednesday February 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Hollywood Week
  • Thursday February 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Showcase Round & Final Judgement (Top 24 Revealed)
  • Wednesday February 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round – “Fan Favorite” Idols return to mentor and sing with the Top 24
  • Thursday February 11 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round – “Fan Favorite” Idols return to mentor and sing with the Top 24
  • Wednesday February 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round –  “Fan Favorite” Idols return to mentor and sing with the Top 24
  • Thursday February 18 – (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)  – Semi-Final Round – “Fan Favorite” Idols return to mentor and sing with the Top 24
  • Wednesday February 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round – “Fan Favorite” Idols return to mentor and sing with the Top 24
  • Thursday February 25  (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Top 10 announced and their first performances.
  • Thursday March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – FINALS
  • Thursday March 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – FINALS
  • Thursday March 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – FINALS
  • Thursday March 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)  – FINALS
  • Thursday March 31 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – FINALS
  • Tuesday April 5 – (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Retrospective, including alums, judges, etc.
  • Wednesday April 6  – (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Final performances
  • Thursday April 7 – (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Finale

About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!