Coming Up on American Idol: Ladies Night and Judges Song Contest
Here’s what to expect on American Idol this week (Sunday May 4 & Monday May 5). Season 23 will air LIVE Coast to Coast for the rest of the season. Also, American Idol will air Monday shows through Monday May 12. The three hour finale, when a winner will be crowned, is set for Sunday May 18.
American Idol 2025: Full Season 23 Schedule
Sunday May 4
Top 10 sing Iconic Women of Music: Powerhouse performances on Ladies Night celebrate Iconic Women of Music. Country music star Miranda Lambert serves as mentor, as the Top 10 return hoping to earn a spot in the Top 8. America votes live to decide who moves one step closer to becoming the next American Idol.
It’s great that American Idol welcomes Miranda Lambert with open arms. As former The Voice coach Blake Shelton’s ex-wife, she’ll never appear on The Voice again! Artists don’t even cover her songs!. In any case, the theme is wide open and will allow the singers to pick songs in their wheelhouse.
Monday May 5
Top 8 Judges Song Contest: The Top 8 perform songs secretly selected by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood in the “Judge’s Song Contest.” With Jelly Roll as artist in residence, America votes for the Top 6, and the judges save one to complete the Top 7.
The Judges Song Contest debuted on Season 20 and has become a staple of the show. Each judge will pick one song for each of the Top 8. Presented with three songs, the contestants pick one without knowing which judge chose it. After their performance, the singer guesses who picked the song for them. Hilarity ensues! The judge with the most songs picked “wins” and can choose a wildcard. But typically, the entire panel weighs in on who to save.
American Idol airs Sunday and Monday on ABC at 8 pm ET, streaming on HULU next day.
