The American Idol 15 semifinal round begins tonight at 8 pm, and there are some MAJOR changes from previous seasons that you need to know about. The three week long semifinals have been retooled from top to bottom. Read on for the details.
The Top 24 will be split up into two random groups. Additionally, it being American Idol’s farewell season, 12 “fan favorite” alums will return to mentor and sing with the Idols 6 during week one and 6 during week two.
The first group sings for the the judges on Wednesday Feb 10 (tonight) 8/7c PM. On Thursday Feb 11 (tomorrow). The JUDGES will eliminate FIVE contestants leaving 7 to move on to the TOP 14. Also on Thursday, six returning “fan favorite” Idols will each be assigned two of the 12 semifinalists to mentor and perform with.
The second group of 12 sing on Wednesday Feb 17 and the judges eliminate 5 more on Thurs Feb 18, leaving seven to advance to the completed TOP 14. Also, six more “fan favorite” Idol alums will each be assigned two of the 12 semifinalists to mentor and perform with.
Week 3: On Wednesday Feb 24, the JUDGES will announce EIGHT contestants moving on to the TOP 10. The remaining SIX contestants will sing for TWO wildcard spots. Viewers will then VOTE for their favorites. *The judges choose EIGHT of the Top 10. Viewers vote for TWO wildcards.*
On Thursday Feb 25, the TOP 10 will be revealed in the season’s FIRST LIVE SHOW. At this point the FINALS begin! After the reveal, the TOP 10 will SING for viewer votes. Kelly Clarkson joins the panel as a guest judge. The American Idol season one winner will also perform.
The FIRST group of 12 semi-finalists – MacKenzie Bourg, Emily Brooke, Gianna Isabella, James VIII, Jeneve Rose Mitchell, Stephany Negrete, Jenna Renae, La’Porsha Renae, Jordan Sasser,Thomas Stringfellow, Sonika Vaid and Avalon Young
The FIRST group of “fan favorite” former Idols – Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Caleb Johnson and Nick Fradiani.
The SECOND group of 12 semi-finalists – Jenn Blosil, Amelia Eisenhauer, Trent Harmon, Lee Jean, CJ Johnson, Adam Lasher, Tristan McIntosh,Dalton Rapattoni, Olivia Rox, Manny Torres, Kory Wheeler and Shelbie Z
The SECOND group of “fan favorite” former Idols – Constantine Maroulis, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Jordin Sparks, David Cook and Haley Reinhart
VOTING: Beginning Thursday, Feb. 24, viewers at home will have five ways to vote for their favorite singer, including voting online at AmericanIdol.com; via the FOX NOW App; via Google Search; via text messaging; and via toll-free calling when the IDOL vote window opens. All voting rules and frequently asked questions will be available beginning Wednesday, Feb. 24, on americanidol.com. (Surprised Idol isn’t ditching phone and text voting as The Voice did last season. Also @IdolSpoilers are reporting that votes have been cut to a max of 10 cast for each competitor.)
YES WE HAVE SPOILERS FOR TONIGHT. Click here for Semifinal Week 1 spoilers. NO SPOILER DISCUSSION HERE THANKS.