ABC renews American Idol for season 22, the 7th season on the network
On the day of the Disney/ABC advertiser upfronts in New York City comes the news that the network has renewed the veteran competition talent show for season 22, the 7th season on ABC.
American Idol continues to provide strong ratings for ABC. Season 21 has averaged a Sunday audience of 5.2M viewers and a Monday audience of 4.7M. As for the 18-49 demo, Sundays drew around a 0.67, while Mondays managed a 0.56. That was down slightly from Season 5, which averaged closer to 5.5M viewers and a 0.7 rating across both nights. However, ratings continue to decline on network television across the board year to year.
The obviously solid ratings and American Idol promoting “Idol Across America” virtual auditions in the past few days means the renewal news at this point is s formatity and not at all surprising.
Three Hour American Idol season 21 finale airs on Sunday May 21 live coast to coast
The 3 hour season finale of American Idol airs on ABC on Sunday May 21 coast to coast at 8 pm ET/5 PM ET. The top 3–Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi and Colin Stough–will sing for America’s live vote. Host Ryan Seacrest will announce the winner at the end of the episode. Guest stars include former judge Keith Urban who will perform and also mentor the finalists. Season 2 winner and runner-up, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, respectively, will also appear to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2003 finale which aired during the FOX era.
Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan sit on the judges panel, while Ryan Seacrest hosts. ABC will confirm the cast later in the year before judges auditions begin filmizing in the fall. American Idol season 22 will air midseason 2024.
Other reality series renewals on ABC: The network has renewed The Bachelor for Season 28 along with Bachelor in Paradise, for Season 9. Shark Tank is also returning to ABC for season 15.
