American Idol 2024 on ABC wowed audiences with its thrilling mix of talent and excitement. It delivered unforgettable performances and standout moments. With Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie back at the judges’ table, the show set out to find the next big music star. Contestants from diverse backgrounds took the stage, sharing their unique voices and stories while facing challenges and growing each week. In essence, Viewers were treated to a captivating journey of musical discovery and celebration.
We all know that American Idol has launched many successful careers. However, winning isn’t always the key to success on the show. For example, Jennifer Hudson won an Academy Award for Dreamgirls, Adam Lambert became the lead singer for Queen, and Tori Kelly, once criticized by Simon Cowell, has won Grammy Awards and returned as a mentor on Season 22. Over its 12 years, American Idol has evolved, changing judges and moving from FOX to ABC, but one constant has been Ryan Seacrest as the host.
This guide has everything you need to know about American Idol 2024! From the host and judges to the standout contestants and winner, we’ve got all the details to keep you in the loop.
Overview of American Idol 2024
American Idol 2024 is more than a competition. It’s a mix of dreams, talent, and star moments. As the show begins, viewers see a wide range of performances that stir emotions. Contestants from different backgrounds sing their hearts out. As Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie guide them, each episode brings growth, resilience, and the joy of music to contestants and audience both. This season wasn’t just about finding the next star. It also celebrated the human spirit and inspires dreams around the world.
Premiere Date for American Idol 2024
The 22nd season of American Idol premiered on Sunday, February 18th, at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC. You can also watch shows like Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee, George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces Series 12, Back Roads Series 10 Returns and more on ABC.
Meet the Judges of American Idol 2024
So, who’s shaping the next big star! Here’s the star-studded lineup of judges for American Idol 2024 and
Luke Bryan:
Thomas Luther “Luke” Bryan, born on July 17, 1976, is a popular American country singer and TV personality. He has won “Entertainer of the Year” five times from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. His album Crash My Party received the Album of the Decade award in 2019. Bryan has sold over 75 million records and has been a judge on American Idol since 2018.
Katy Perry:
Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson on October 25, 1984, is a famous American pop singer. She rose to fame with her 2008 hit “I Kissed a Girl.” Her albums, like Teenage Dream and Prism, have many popular songs. All in all, Perry has sold millions of records and won numerous awards. She has also been a judge on American Idol. Known for her vibrant style and colorful music videos, she is a major figure in pop culture.
Lionel Richie:
Lionel Richie, born on June 20, 1949, is an American singer and songwriter. He first gained fame with the Commodores, known for songs like “Easy.” As a solo artist, he had big hits such as “Hello” and “All Night Long.” Richie has won several Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. He is known for his smooth voice and mix of pop, soul, and R&B. Richie has also been a judge on American Idol and continues to influence music.
Get a Sneak Peek: American Idol Season 22 Trailer
Catch a glimpse of the excitement with the American Idol Season 22 trailer below:
American Idol 2024 Contestants and Their Highlights
Here’s a table featuring the contestants of American Idol 2024 and their details:
Contestant | Placement | Hometown | Occupation | Age | Hollywood Showstopper | Top 24 Song |
Abi Carter | Winner | Indio, CA | Musician | 21 | “If I Could Turn Back Time” | “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” |
Will Moseley | Runner-Up | Hazlehurst, GA | Musician | 23 | “Ain’t No Sunshine” | “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” |
Jack Blocker | 3rd Place | Dallas, TX | Graphic Designer | 25 | “You Should’ve Seen the Other Guy” | “Rainbow” |
Emmy Russell | Top 5 | Nashville, TN | Songwriter | 25 | “More Hearts Than Mine” | “Beautiful Things” |
Triston Harper | Top 5 | McIntosh, AL | High School Student | 15 | “By Your Grace” | “God’s Country” |
Julia Gagnon | Top 7 | Cumberland, ME | College Student | 21 | “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” | “Rumour Has It” |
McKenna Faith Breinholt | Top 7 | Gilbert, AZ | Esthetician | 25 | “Anyone” | “The Story” |
Kabrienne “KB” Richins | Top 8 | Henefer, UT | B&B Host | 20 | “Simple Man” | “Heaven” |
Kayko | Top 10 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Songwriter and Producer | 23 | “Gives You Hell” | “How to Live Without You” |
Mia Matthews | Top 10 | Centre, AL | Singer | 19 | “You Ain’t Woman Enough” | “Daddy’s Hands” |
Jayna Elise | Top 12 | Washington, D.C. | Performer | 22 | “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” | “Confident” |
Roman Collins | Top 12 | Long Beach, CA | Car Cleaner | 24 | “Come Together” | “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” |
Jordan Anthony | Top 14 | Perth, Australia | Barista | 19 | “Love in the Dark” | “Titanium” |
Nya | Top 14 | Manhattan, NY | Broadway Performer | 28 | “Get Ready” | “The Best” |
Ajii | Top 20 | Brooklyn, NY | Nursing Home Security | 27 | “Too Close” | “Higher” |
Jennifer Jeffries | Top 20 | Starkville, MS | High School Student | 18 | “Northern Attitude” | “Bruises” |
Kennedy Reid | Top 20 | New Albany, IN | Mortician | 23 | “Total Eclipse of the Heart” | “Fancy” |
Mackenzie Sol | Top 20 | Henderson, NV | Content Creator | 23 | “With a Little Help from My Friends” | “Jealous” |
Odell Bunton Jr. | Top 20 | Austin, TX | Airport Security | 29 | “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” | “Uptown Funk” |
Quintavious | Top 20 | Franklin, TN | Vocal Coach and Worship Leader | 22 | “You Say” | “Something in the Water” |
Blake Proehl | Top 24 | Charlotte, NC | Former Pro Football Player | 25 | “In My Blood” | “Anyone” |
Elleigh Marie | Top 24 | American Fork, UT | Cosmetologist | 20 | “Golden Slumbers” | “Forget You” |
Hailey Mia | Top 24 | Clifton, NJ | High School Student | 16 | “Alive” | “She’s All I Wanna Be” |
KBlocks | Top 24 | Montgomery, AL | Cook | 27 | “River” | “Harleys in Hawaii” |
The 2024 Host of American Idol
Ryan Seacrest, born December 24, 1974, is a prominent TV host and producer. He’s known for hosting American Idol, American Top 40, and On Air with Ryan Seacrest. He also co-hosted Live with Kelly and Ryan and took over Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve after Clark’s death. Seacrest has won an Emmy for Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and has multiple Emmy nominations for American Idol. Moreover, in September 2024, he will replace Pat Sajak as the host of Wheel of Fortune.
Discover The American Idol 2024 Winner
Abi Carter won American Idol 2024, ending a three-year streak of male winners. At 21, she became the first female winner since Just Sam in 2020. She began by impressing the judges and audience with her audition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and wowed everyone throughout the season. Soon after winning American Idol, Abi posted on Instagram,
“I can’t believe this! Winning #americanidol was beyond my wildest dreams. Being the first girl winner in over 4 years is such an honor.”
She added,
“I’m just a girl from Indio who used to sing on street corners. Now, I’ve worked with amazing people and reached millions. This is just the start of my dream. I love you all!”
Abi is also the first winner of the platinum ticket since it was introduced in Season 20. Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie gave her the platinum ticket after her audition in Los Angeles.
Wrap Up!
American Idol on ABC brings exciting performances and amazing talent to your screen. Each episode is full of standout moments and inspiring stories from contestants chasing their dreams. The show offers a chance to see the next big music star emerge while enjoying the journey of these talented individuals. So, don’t miss out on the fun and drama. We recommend you to catch all the new episodes on ABC and follow the latest updates from this thrilling season.