The Next American Idol is Revealed on the Highly Anticipated Grand Finale Event, Sunday, May 19, Airing and Voting Live Coast to Coast in a Historic Television First

SEASON FINALE

THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL IS REVEALED ON THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GRAND FINALE EVENT, SUNDAY, MAY 19, AIRING AND VOTING LIVE COAST TO COAST IN A HISTORIC TELEVISION FIRST

SUPERSTAR CARRIE UNDERWOOD RETURNS TO THE ‘IDOL’ STAGE, IN ADDITION TO ADAM LAMBERT AND OTHER SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS

“218 (Season Finale)” – Following a cross-country search for the next singing sensation, “American Idol” rounds out its second season on ABC with an epic grand finale event, featuring “Idol”’s Top 3 contestants: Madison VanDenburg, Alejandro Aranda and Laine Hardy. 

For the first time in “Idol” history, America’s live coast-to-coast vote will determine the winner of the iconic singing competition series, with all voting taking place during the show. The crowning moment will be preceded by special performances from music legends, including “Idol”’s very own superstar judges, the return of fan-favorite contestants from the current season and a special visit by last season’s winner, Maddie Poppe. Poppe’s debut album, “Whirlwind,” drops on Friday, May 17. The jam-packed music event airs SUNDAY, MAY 19 (8:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

Grand finale performances include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Adam Lambert to perform his new single, “New Eyes,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” with Dimitrius Graham
• Carrie Underwood to make a special appearance during her Cry Pretty Tour 360 to perform her new hit single, “Southbound,” live on the “Idol” stage

• Daddy Yankee and Katy Perry to perform “Con Calma”
• Dan + Shay to perform “All To Myself” and “Speechless” with Madison VanDenburg
• Jon Pardi to perform a medley of “Night Shift” and “Dirt On My Boots” with Laine Hardy
• Kane Brown to perform “Good As You” and “Lost in the Middle of Nowhere” with Alyssa Raghu
• Katy Perry to perform “Unconditionally” with Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon
• Kool & The Gang to perform a medley of “Hollywood Swinging,” “Ladies Night” and “Celebrate” with the Top 10
• Luke Bryan to perform “Knockin’ Boots” and “Every Breath You Take” with Laci Kaye Booth
• Lionel Richie to perform “Dancing on the Ceiling” with the Top 10
• Montell Jordan to perform “This Is How We Do It” with Margie Mays and Austin Michael
• Viral sensation Shayy returns to perform “Rise Up”
• Weezer to perform a medley of “Africa,” “Take On Me” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” with Wade Cota and Walker Burroughs

Helping to determine who America will ultimately vote to become the next singing sensation are music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy® Award-winning producer Ryan Seacrest hosts the beloved series, and famed multimedia personality Bobby Bones acts as in-house mentor.

“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle’s Trish Kinane, also serving as showrunner, Jennifer Mullin, Megan Wolflick and Industrial Media’s Chris Anokute. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.