It’s hard to believe, but there are only three weeks left until “American Idol” crowns its 2026 winner on May 11. The countdown is on, and producers have some star-studded surprises in store, from the first-ever Taylor Swift Night to finale mentor Alicia Keys. Here’s everything you need to know…
‘American Idol’ on April 27: Taylor Swift Night
GettyBefore the Top 9 was whittled down to the Top 7 on the April 20 live show, host Ryan Seacrest announced that the next live episode would be dedicated — for the first time ever — to Taylor Swift’s catalog of hits, sung by the remaining contestants.
“They’ll be taking the stage, celebrating the music of Taylor Swift, with iconic songs from Taylor’s acclaimed catalog,” Seacrest said, “from her early country roots to her global pop anthems, and all the Grammy-winning songs in between.”
ABC has not announced who will be the guest mentor, leaving some Swifties to hope their queen might make an appearance. But comedian and recent Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser will be a guest judge alongside Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie. That’s notable because Glaser is a huge Swiftie and knows everything there is to know about Swift and her music.
Before the Top 7 becomes the Top 5, with two more contestants heading home after two hours of live viewer voting during the episode, the hopefuls will also perform songs from California’s biggest artists, per ABC.
‘American Idol’ on May 4: 20th Class Reunion & DWTS Crossover
GettyAs the Top 5 compete to nab the coveted top three spots of the season on May 4, there will be many familiar faces on the “American Idol” stage.
The show will host a 20th “high school reunion” for the finalists from the class of 2006, including winner Taylor Hicks, who told EntertainmentNow he can’t wait to be back on stage with some of his season five pals. ABC hasn’t announced yet who else will be part of the reunion, but we’re hoping for appearances by runner-up Katharine McPhee, third place singer Elliot Yamin, superstar alum Chris Daughtry, and maybe even a rare Kellie Pickler sighting.
In addition, pros from ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” will “bring some ballroom flair to the celebration,” the network said. Sasha Farber has already been part of the Ohana round earlier in the season, and appeared on the show’s new podcast, so he’s likely to be among the celeb dancing pros that night.
Alicia Keys to Mentor & Guest Judge ‘American Idol’ Finale
GettyThe season finale is typically a star-studded affair, with guest performers singing with the Top 3 and an ensemble of other finalists. That lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but Seacrest did reveal on April 20 that powerhouse singer Alicia Keys will serve as the night’s mentor and one of the performers.
During the three-hour finale, according to Deadline, Keys will perform twice to “celebrate the milestone of her 2001 debut album, ‘Songs in A Minor,’ including a performance with the Top 3.” Keys is an interesting addition to the “American Idol” lineup, given that she used to have a heavy presence on “The Voice,” serving as a coach during seasons 11, 12, and 14.
You can catch the final three “American Idol” live episodes each Monday night — April 27, May 4 and May 11 — at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC or Disney+.
