American Idol Season 24 is reaching its most intense stage yet, and your votes are the only thing standing between your favorite singer and the grand finale. After last night’s emotional Top 5 “Idol Reunion Night” episode on May 4, the competition has officially narrowed down to the Top 3 finalists — and the margin for error is gone.
With returning legends like Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson joining current judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, the stakes felt bigger than ever. The live episode featured powerful solo performances and unforgettable duets, all leading to a dramatic elimination that reshaped the competition.
Now, with only three contestants left, every single vote matters more than ever. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a longtime fan of American Idol, this complete guide will walk you through every way to vote, how many votes you can cast, and everything you need to know to help your favorite singer make it all the way.
Table of Contents
What Happened on American Idol Last Night?
🎤 Big Theme: 20-Year Reunion Night
The episode celebrated the “Class of 2006” reunion, bringing back original judges
Paula Abdul and
Randy Jackson.
Former contestants (including Kellie Pickler) returned for duets with the Top 5 finalists.
🎶 Performances & Highlights
- Each of the Top 5 contestants performed twice:
- A solo performance
- A duet with a past Season 5 singer
- The night also featured Dancing With the Stars–style performances, adding a big production feel.
- Standout moments included emotional duets and strong praise from judges
Luke Bryan,
Lionel Richie, and
Carrie Underwood.
🚨 Results: Who Made the Finale?
- At the end of the live show, America voted and:
- Top 5 → Top 3 finalists were revealed
- 2 contestants were eliminated
👉 The remaining Top 3 will compete in the finale next week.
⭐ Extra Notable Moments
- The episode had a nostalgic, emotional vibe, especially with returning Idol legends.
- Kellie Pickler’s appearance was especially meaningful, marking a rare return performance.
🔮 What’s Next?
A major guest performer (like Alicia Keys) is expected in the finale.
The Season 24 finale airs May 11, where the Top 3 will battle for the title.
How to Vote on American Idol 2026 — All 3 Methods Explained
For the 2026 season, American Idol offers three ways to vote, each allowing up to 10 votes per contestant per method. That means if you use all three methods, you can cast a maximum of 50 votes per contestant per episode.
Voting opens at the start of the East Coast broadcast (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Mondays) and closes at 6 a.m. ET the following morning. Always check AmericanIdol.com/vote for the exact weekly schedule.
Method 1: Vote Online at AmericanIdol.com/Vote
Voting online is the most straightforward method and allows you full control over how many votes you assign.
Steps to vote online:
- Go to AmericanIdol.com/vote (or idolvote.abc.com) as the episode begins.
- If you don’t have a MyDisney account, create one with your email address — it’s free and takes under a minute.
- Sign in and click on the contestant(s) you want to vote for.
- Assign up to 10 votes per contestant and click the Save button.
- Don’t forget to hit Save — your votes will not be counted otherwise!
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old and located in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Method 2: Vote by Text (SMS)
Text voting is quick and easy, especially if you’re watching the show live.
Steps to vote by text:
- During each episode, each contestant is assigned a unique voting number, which is displayed on screen during their performance.
- Text that number to 21523.
- You can text up to 10 times for the same contestant per episode (each text = one vote).
Note: Message and data rates may apply. Text voting is available to U.S. wireless carriers only. SMS vote terms are available at idolmobileterms.votenow.tv.
Method 3: Vote on Social Media (NEW for 2026)
This is the biggest change to the American Idol voting system in 2026 — and it’s making history. For the first time ever, American Idol became the first reality TV competition to allow voting via social media platforms.
Steps to vote on social media:
- As the episode starts at 8 p.m. ET, look for the pinned purple voting post at the TOP of the official @AmericanIdol accounts on:
- TikTok
- In the comment section of that pinned post, type the first name only of the contestant you want to vote for (e.g., type KEYLA for Keyla Richardson).
- Each comment equals one vote. Post up to 10 separate comments per contestant per platform.
- That means you can cast up to 10 votes on Instagram + 10 on Facebook + 10 on TikTok = 30 social votes per contestant.
Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and located in the U.S. to cast social media votes.
Important: Only comment on the official pinned voting post from the verified @AmericanIdol accounts. Comments on other posts will not be counted. Make sure you’re spelling the contestant’s name exactly as shown in the pinned post.
American Idol 2026 Vote Totals at a Glance
| Voting Method | Platform | Max Votes Per Contestant | Age Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | AmericanIdol.com/vote | 10 | 16+ |
| Text | SMS to 21523 | 10 | 18+ (U.S. carriers) |
| Social — Instagram | @AmericanIdol pinned post | 10 | 18+ |
| Social — Facebook | @AmericanIdol pinned post | 10 | 18+ |
| Social — TikTok | @AmericanIdol pinned post | 10 | 18+ |
| TOTAL (all methods) | 50 |
American Idol Season 24 Top Contestants — Who to Vote For Now
After the dramatic Top 5 “Idol Reunion Night” episode on May 4, the competition on American Idol has officially narrowed to the Top 3 finalists. Two contestants were eliminated, raising the stakes as the finale approaches.
Here’s a look at the singers still in the competition:
Keyla Richardson — A powerhouse vocalist who continues to dominate the stage with her soulful tone and commanding presence. Week after week, she has delivered some of the most consistent performances of the season.
Braden Rumfelt — A fan favorite whose emotional storytelling and versatility have kept him at the top. His recent performances have earned strong praise from judge Luke Bryan, solidifying his place as a serious contender.
Jordan McCullough — The 27-year-old worship leader from Tennessee brings a unique blend of country and R&B, backed by strong musical roots and heartfelt delivery that resonates with viewers.
Eliminated After Top 5:
- Hannah Harper — Known for her viral audition and emotional connection with fans
- Chris Tungseth — A steadily rising performer with a growing fanbase
With the finale just around the corner, every vote now carries even more weight as these three finalists battle it out for the title.
American Idol Season 24 — Latest Episode Results (May 4)
After the Top 5 “Idol Reunion Night” episode of American Idol, America’s votes have narrowed the competition down to the final three.
Top 3 Finalists:
Keyla Richardson, Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough
Eliminated:
Braden Rumfelt, Chris Tungseth
The episode featured duets with returning alumni and appearances by former judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, adding a nostalgic touch before the live vote determined the finalists.
The Top 3 will now compete in the finale for the title.
Tips to Maximize Your American Idol Votes
- Set an alarm for 8 p.m. ET on Mondays so you’re ready to vote the moment the episode begins — social media votes close before the episode ends.
- Use all three methods to maximize your impact. One dedicated fan can cast up to 50 votes per contestant per week.
- Follow @AmericanIdol on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok before the show so you can quickly find the pinned voting post the moment it goes live.
- Save your votes online — it’s easy to forget to click the Save button on the website, but if you don’t save, your votes won’t count.
- Check your text number — each contestant’s voting number changes each week and is displayed on screen during their performance.
What’s Next on American Idol Season 24?
After the latest live episode of American Idol, the competition has already moved past the reunion round and is now heading straight into the grand finale.
The recent “Idol Reunion Night” featured returning legends like Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, along with special performances and duets that helped decide the Top 3 finalists. That nostalgic, high-energy episode set the stage for the biggest night of the season.
Now, the remaining contestants will compete one last time in the finale, delivering multiple performances in front of judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Expect a mix of solo performances, potential celebrity collaborations, and final fan voting that will determine the winner.
With everything on the line, the finale promises to be one of the most emotional and competitive showdowns of the season.
FQAs
Can I vote more than once? Yes. You can vote up to 10 times per contestant per voting method per episode. Across all five methods (website, text, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), that’s a total of 50 votes per contestant.
When does American Idol voting close? Voting opens at the start of the East Coast broadcast (8 p.m. ET) and closes at 6 a.m. ET the following morning. However, social media votes close before the last commercial break of the live episode — so don’t wait too long.
Do I need an account to vote online? Yes. You’ll need a free MyDisney account to vote at AmericanIdol.com/vote. You can create one with your email address in just a few steps.
Can I vote if I’m outside the U.S.? Online and text voting is open to viewers in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Social media voting is limited to the U.S. only.
What happened to the American Idol app? The dedicated American Idol app voting has been replaced by social media voting for the 2026 season, though online and text voting remain active.
Final Thoughts
American Idol Season 24 is delivering one of the most competitive finales in recent memory, and your votes will decide who takes home the crown. With the competition now down to the Top 3 finalists, every vote carries more weight than ever.
Voting remains simple and accessible — whether online, by text, or through the official app — giving fans multiple ways to support their favorite contestant. Don’t forget to tune in next Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and cast all your available votes to help determine the next American Idol.
The finale promises unforgettable performances, emotional moments, and one last chance for America to choose its winner.
