American Idol

Facing the music. American Idol contestant Sara Beth Liebe is calling out Katy Perry after the judge made a not-so-nice joke about motherhood on the show. Before the contestant impressed Perry, 38, and fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie with her performances of “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse and “Bennie And […]

Like family! Ryan Seacrest opened up about his experience hosting American Idol after announcing his departure from Live With Kelly and Ryan. “I really like the live shows,” the 48-year-old radio personality told judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie while chatting with Entertainment Tonight on Thursday, March 2, about season 21. Seacrest went […]

An emotional performance. American Idol contestant Trey Louis brought the house down during his audition for the judges — and he’s going to Hollywood. The Santa Fe, Texas, native, 21, — who calls himself “Trey from the Fe” — performed a rendition of the Whiskey Meyers song “Stone” during the Sunday, February 26, episode of […]

Shutterstock; TikTok Not his teenage dream. American Idol alum Adriel Carrion reflected on an awkward moment with judge Katy Perry that still has him shook years later. The season 19 contestant — who was 18 when he auditioned for the singing competition — recently shared a clip from his time on the show via TikTok. […]

A golden ticket doesn’t mean an easy journey! Since American Idol premiered in June 2002, the show, its judges and contestants have become the subject of numerous scandals and controversies. Prior to the days of voting by app for your favorite contestant, fans reported an unfair voting system during season 1 of American Idol when […]

Gone too soon. While many budding musicians got their big breaks on the American Idol stage through the years, a handful lost their lives not long afterward. Nikki McKibbin, who appeared alongside Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini on season 1, died in November 2020 at the age of 42. The Fear Factor alum, who finished in third place on the […]

If only they’d known! Maren Morris, Luke Combs and Tori Kelly are among the stars who’ve been turned down by singing competition shows before their big breaks. Morris shared a picture of her American Idol audition ticket from 2007 via Instagram in July 2022. “I didn’t make it past the first-round cattle call,” the “Bones” […]

Taking their time! Katharine McPhee and David Foster aren’t in a hurry to give son Rennie a sibling just yet. “I would love to have another baby, but we’ll see,” the American Idol season 5 alum, 38, said during her Friday, January 27, appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. “We’re not in any crazy rush, […]

The next American Idol winner! Gabby Barrett and Cade Foehner welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on October 27. The “I Hope” singer, 22, shared the happy news via Instagram on Wednesday, November 2. “Soaking up the newborn days with baby brother. What a precious gift from our Lord!” she captioned her infant’s social […]

Gone too soon. American Idol alum Willie Spence reportedly died after being involved in a car crash. He was 23. The season 19 runner-up, a native of Douglas, Georgia, “passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Tennessee,” local news outlet Douglas Now reported on Tuesday, October 11. “We have no further […]

Among those who have passed away in recent years are stars from Deadliest Catch, The Real World, Survivor, The Real Housewives, Buckwild, and The Bachelorette

Sharing his truth. Sanjaya Malakar‘s sexuality faced scrutiny when he was a teenager on American Idol, but he can proudly share that he’s bisexual more than a decade later. “I identify as bisexual,” the singer, 32, shared on the August 22 episode of “The Adam Sank Show” podcast from DNR Studios. Malakar, now 32, is […]

Looking back and laughing. Before she was a star, Maren Morris was just a teenager getting rejected at an American Idol audition — and her mother has the proof. “My mom found my American Idol audition ticket from 2007. I didn’t make it past the first round cattle call,” the “Bones” singer, 32, shared via […]

Sharing his thoughts. American Idol winner Caleb Johnson didn’t mince words when reflecting on the aftermath of his big victory. The North Carolina native, 31, said he was “really bummed” after winning season 13 of the reality competition, which aired in 2014. His main issue was with his winner’s single, which was “As Long as […]

One day at a time. Chris Daughtry opened up about how he’s coping with the deaths of his stepdaughter and mother, who passed away within days of each other last fall. “I dealt with both differently, processed both losses very differently—the common denominator in both is the guilt,” the former American Idol contestant, 42, said […]

Following the rules. While Kenedi Anderson decided to leave American Idol of her own volition, many contestants don’t have a choice — they’re kicked off after violating one of the show’s many strict rules. In addition to all of the contracts and agreements required to take part in the show, whoever comes out on top […]

From a fun-filled childhood to living out her dreams, former American Idol hopeful Kenedi Anderson has already lived a full life — and she’s still just a teen. “Having a big family has helped me a lot. I’m one of six children and second oldest,” the singer revealed during her audition for season 20 of […]

Kenedi Anderson had big dreams when she auditioned for season 20 of American Idol — and her family is just as large. The pianist, who wowed the judges with her audition performance of Lady Gaga’s “Applause,” quickly became the frontrunner in the 2022 season of the long-running series. Her mom, Anne Anderson, was even brought […]

School’s out! Former American Idol frontrunner Kenedi Anderson graduated from high school two months after she abruptly quit season 20 of the singing competition. “No more school for meee hehehe #graduation,” the singer, 18, captioned a carousel of Instagram photos on Monday, June 6, posing in her cap and gown with her diploma in hand. […]

The newest victor! Noah Thompson was crowned the season 20 winner of American Idol after a showdown with Leah Marlene and HunterGirl. The Kentucky native, 20, prevailed during the Sunday, May 22, finale after performing songs by Rihanna and Bruce Springsteen as well as “One Day Tonight,” his own original single. “Oh, my God,” the […]