TV series
Heading back to where it all began.
The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
American Idol is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
The auditions begin in 3 California cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie return, along with host Ryan Seacrest.
Guest stars Claudia Conway, Benson Boone
Episode 2
Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 3
Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 5
The search for the next superstar across Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; and Ojai, California, comes to an end as "American Idol" auditions wrap. Saving some of the best for last, this week features the final auditions in front of the celebrity judges before heading to Hollywood Week, where contestants get one step closer to being crowned the next "American Idol."
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 6
The search for the next superstar continues with Hollywood week; fan favorites from auditions return to the stage for the genre challenge.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 7
The hopefuls encounter surprises as they continue to compete with the Hollywood duets challenge.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 8
The contestants showcase their talent by performing with a band for their last chance to make it into the coveted top 24.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 9
The remaining contestants perform for their first time this season with a band, vying for their spot in the top 24; the judges share a surprising twist.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 10
Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.
Guest stars Jimmie Allen, Ryan Tedder, Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, Joss Stone, Ben Rector, Chayce Beckham
Episode 11
Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.
Guest stars Jewel, Tori Kelly, Brandon Boyd, Jason Aldean, Josh Groban, PJ Morton, Chayce Beckham
Episode 12
The top 16 are revealed and perform in hopes of securing America's vote.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 13
Following America's overnight vote, 10 contestants are revealed from the top 16; six contestants perform for a chance to be in the top 12.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 14
The top 12 contestants perform Oscar-nominated songs in hopes of securing America's vote into the top nine; Lionel Richie performs.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 15
Ten finalists from the previous season return to make their debut on the "American Idol" stage, where they sing for America's vote; one remains in the competition this season, rounding out the top 10.
Guest stars Louis Knight, Nick Merico, Chayce Beckham
Episode 16
The results of the comeback show; the top nine travel to Walt Disney World for a one-on-one session with a celebrity mentor; the top seven finalists are revealed.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham
Episode 17
The remaining finalists perform one song dedicated to the special loved ones in their lives in honor of Mother's Day and a second song from the Coldplay songbook, mentored by the band's lead singer, Chris Martin.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham, Chris Martin
Episode 18
Artist FINNEAS mentors the finalists, who are grouped to perform two of his songs; the top four perform two additional songs each; FINNEAS performs with Ashe; the top three finalists are revealed.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham, FINNEAS
Episode 19
The top three finalists perform and the winner is announced; scheduled performers include Lindsey Buckingham, Alessia Cara, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy, Mickey Guyton, Chaka Khan, Leona Lewis and Macklemore.
Guest stars Chayce Beckham, Lindsey Buckingham, Alessia Cara, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Andy Hurley, Pete Wentz, Joe Trohman
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Ryan SeacrestSelf - Host
Lionel RichieSelf - Judge
Katy PerrySelf - Judge
Luke BryanSelf - Judge
Bobby BonesSelf - Mentor
Carrie UnderwoodSelf - Judge
ABCUnited States
Disney+
FremantleMedia North AmericaUnited States
