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American Idol isn’t airing tonight (Monday, March 17), but fans shouldn’t miss next week’s finale. The Top 20 Part 2 airs Monday, March 23, from Hawaii. America’s voting intensifies as 20 contestants battle for spots in the Top 14.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Next Episode: Monday, March 23, 2026 at 8 PM ET on ABC
- Location: Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii
- Contestants Left: 20 singers split into two episodes
- What’s at Stake: Six singers will be eliminated after Part 2
Why American Idol Isn’t On Tonight
American Idol disappointed viewers tonight, as the show took a break from its regular Monday broadcast schedule. The network aired the Top 20 Part 1 last week (March 16) at Aulani, A Disney Resort in Hawaii. This week marks the second performance episode. Fans can catch the season’s next drama unfold next Monday.
The break allows the show to edit footage and build anticipation for Part 2’s electrifying performances.
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Top 20 Part 2 Airs Monday, March 23 at 8 PM ET
The remaining 10 contestants will take the stage on Monday, March 23 at 8 PM Eastern Time. This episode features newly filmed performances from the tropical paradise of Aulani Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii. The judges including Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Keke Palmer will mentor these hopefuls. A two-hour episode will showcase multiple singers before results air later.
America’s votes will determine who advances from this group. Voting opens immediately after each performance airs.
| Detail | Information |
| Air Date | Monday, March 23, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM ET on ABC |
| Network | ABC, Disney+, Hulu |
| Duration | 2 hours |
How to Vote Now That American Idol’s Top 20 Are Performing
Voting began immediately after Part 1 aired last Monday at 8 PM ET. Fans can vote using three convenient methods. Start by heading to AmericanIdol.com/Vote on your browser. You can also text the keyword for your favorite contestant to the shortcode 21523. Finally, social media voting is now available on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Each viewer can cast 10 votes per artist per method, totaling 50 possible votes per contestant. Voting windows typically close after new results episodes air.
“There are so many easy ways to vote for your next American Idol. Be sure to make your voice heard.”
— Carrie Underwood, American Idol Judge
What Happens to the Top 20 After Part 2
After both performance episodes conclude, six contestants will be eliminated in one dramatic results show. This cuts the field from 20 singers to 14 finalists. The March 30 episode will reveal who advances. The judges and America’s combined votes determine who stays and who goes. Every performance matters.
The competition intensifies as contestants fight for the Top 14 spots and a chance at the grand prize.
Will You Vote for Your Favorite American Idol Contestant Next Monday?
American Idol fans have a full week to predict their favorites before Part 2 airs. The second performance group includes standout vocalists seeking America’s support. If you missed Part 1 last Monday, both episodes will stream on Disney+ and Hulu the day after broadcast. Catch up before voting opens next week.
Which contestant will you support in the Top 20 battle?
Sources
- ABC – Official American Idol episode listings and air times
- Deseret News – Coverage of Top 20 contest voting procedures
- American Songwriter – Detailed voting methods and changes for Season 24











