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Season 16 – American Idol

Play trailer Poster for Season 16 – American Idol Mar 2018 Music Reality Play Trailer Watchlist
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68% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 40% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Singers with dreams of super stardom audition and compete in a series of challenging rounds in the hope of living their childhood and lifelong dreams.

Critics Reviews

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Sonia Saraiya Variety 03/01/2019
Overall, the new version of the show holds together well enough. Go to Full Review
Kelly Lawler USA Today 03/01/2019
Four episodes into the reality competition, it's clear that the pop star's vibe is just wrong for the show. Go to Full Review
Johanna Schneller Toronto Star 03/01/2019
ABC promised a more sincere, less mean show. But they're delivering something they might not have anticipated: a portrait of the U.S. as a strained, if not downright broken, place. So much poverty, illness and sorrow. Go to Full Review
Kevin Fallon The Daily Beast 03/01/2019
If you've seen American Idol before, you know what you're in for here. That's neither an endorsement nor an indictment, but this reboot so aggressively plays down the middle that it doesn't seem to be seeking one either way. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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SkyRo P @TheMovieSearch 08/12/2024 American Idol, a trailblazing competition that has the power to turn unknown individuals into superstars, has captivated audiences worldwide. The trio of judges, Randy, Paula, and Simon, brought their unique personalities and expertise to the show, creating an unforgettable dynamic. Over the seasons, American Idol has seen its share of memorable winners and controversial outcomes. From the quiet yet powerful vocals of Kelly Clarkson in season one to the legendary country singer Carrie Underwood in season four, each winner brought their own flair to the competition. Season five brought a new controversy with Taylor Hicks' win, overshadowing talented contestants like Chris Daughtry and Elliott Yamin. Despite the ups and downs, the show continued to produce stars like Jordin Sparks, Adam Lambert, and Scotty McCreery in later seasons. As the seasons progressed, American Idol faced challenges with judges' dynamics and changing formats. Winners like Caleb Johnson and Nick Fradiani faced struggles in establishing their post-show careers, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining success after the spotlight of the competition. The return of the show with new judges like Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan brought fresh energy to American Idol. However, recent winners like Maddie Poppe and Laine Hardy have faced challenges in making a lasting impact in the music industry. Season 23 holds the hope for a new mega star to emerge, reconnecting audiences with the show's legacy of producing successful winners. Despite the setbacks and controversies, American Idol remains a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their talent and reach for stardom. With its rich history of iconic moments and unforgettable performances, American Idol continues to be a cultural phenomenon that sparks the dreams of aspiring musicians and entertains audiences around the world. See more 05/21/2018 JUST end it ALREADY. THE HORSE IS DEAD - GET OFF! NOT JUST DEAD, BUT COMPLETELY ROTTEN... See more 05/14/2018 Katy Perry is too out there to be a judge. She is ruining this show. See more carrie t @Car61 05/07/2018 Very disappointed with Katy Perry being a judge. See more 04/01/2018 If you've Never thought You've been EMOTIONALLY manipulated, or even brain washed, watch this show, its entirely from the top down. Pay attention to the COMMENFFRY. I feel sorry for who ends up Thinking they've won SOMETHING. See more 03/23/2018 I was hesitant to see this new version, but I watched it with an open mind and ended up loving the judges and the contestants, it makes me cry every time, a good cry! See more Read all reviews
American Idol — Season 16

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Mar 11, 2018 Auditions Hopefuls audition in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, Tenn. Details Episode 2 Aired Mar 12, 2018 Auditions Hopefuls audition in New York, Savannah, Ga., Los Angeles and New Orleans. Details Episode 3 Aired Mar 18, 2018 Auditions Hopefuls -- including a Texas cattle farmer, twin teens from California and a future salesman from Illinois -- audition in Los Angeles, Nashville, Tenn., New York and Savannah, Ga. Details Episode 4 Aired Mar 19, 2018 Auditions Hopefuls, including a teacher from Michigan, a construction worker from Alabama and a goat farmer from Oklahoma, perform for the judges. Details Episode 5 Aired Mar 25, 2018 Auditions Hopefuls, including a choreographer from Tennessee, a hostess from Colorado and a personal assistant from Alabama, perform for the judges. Details Episode 6 Aired Mar 26, 2018 Hollywood Week Singers battle it out in solo and group performances in hopes of making it through to the showcase round. Details Episode 7 Aired Apr 1, 2018 Hollywood Week Hopefuls from across the country gather to battle it out in solo performances, with the goal of making it through to the Showcase Round. Details Episode 8 Aired Apr 2, 2018 Showcase/Final Judgment Hopefuls perform solos in front of a live crowd and the judges in the Showcase Round; the judges sit down with each contestant and reveal which finalists made it through to the Top 24. Details Episode 9 Aired Apr 8, 2018 Top 24 Solos Twelve of the top 24 finalists perform solos; radio show host Bobby Bones mentors. Details Episode 10 Aired Apr 9, 2018 Top 24 Celebrity Duets Twelve of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners. Details Episode 11 Aired Apr 15, 2018 Top 24 Solos Twelve of the top 24 finalists perform solos; radio show host Bobby Bones mentors. Details Episode 12 Aired Apr 16, 2018 Top 24 Celebrity Duets Twelve of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners. Details Episode 13 Aired Apr 22, 2018 Top 14 The top 14 contestants perform in hopes of winning America's vote. Details Episode 14 Aired Apr 23, 2018 Top 10 Reveal The top 14 perform; the top 10 contestants are revealed. Details Episode 15 Aired Apr 29, 2018 Top 10: Disney Night The top 10 perform fan-favorite Disney songs for America's vote; Katy Perry performs; Idina Menzel serves as mentor to the contestants; three hopefuls are eliminated. Details Episode 16 Aired May 6, 2018 Top 7 The remaining hopefuls perform Prince songs; Sheila E performs with Kris Pooley, and the house band; Nick Jonas mentors the contestants. Details Episode 17 Aired May 13, 2018 Top 5 The top five contestants perform; Carrie Underwood performs. Details Episode 18 Aired May 20, 2018 Performance Finals The top three finalists perform. Details Episode 19 Aired May 21, 2018 Grand Finale The new winner is crowned; performances by Bebe Rexha, Darius Rucker, Gary Clark Jr., Kermit the Frog, Nick Jonas + Mustard, Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams and "American Idol" contestants. Details
Making the Band % % Making the Band Watchlist America's Got Talent % % America's Got Talent Watchlist TRAILER for America's Got Talent Sing On! 78% % Sing On! Watchlist Real Country % % Real Country Watchlist Superfan % 88% Superfan Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Season Info

Director
Russell Norman, Phil Heyes
Executive Producer
Trish Kinane, Jennifer Mullin
Network
ABC
Rating
TV-PG (L)
Genre
Music, Reality
Original Language
English
Release Date
Mar 11, 2018