American Idol Nears the Finale: How to Vote and What to Expect from the Magical Two-Night Disney Event

The race to become the next American Idol is officially in overdrive — and this week, the competition took a magical turn. With just two weeks left until the Season 23 finale, the Top 7 contestants are facing more pressure, more emotion, and more surprises than ever before. And now, for the first time in Idol history, they’re chasing the crown from none other than The Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland.

 What Happened on May 5: Tears, Twists, and the Top 7

On Sunday night, May 5, host Ryan Seacrest revealed the six contestants who secured America’s votes:

• Slater Nalley

• Gabby Samone

• Breanna Nix

• Thunderstorm Artis

• Jamal Roberts

• John Foster

That left Mattie Pruitt and Josh King in the Bottom 2. After a tough deliberation, judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie chose to save 16-year-old Mattie — marking the end of Josh King’s heartfelt journey on Idol.

 Disney Week Kicks Off: A Historic First

Just hours after the episode, the remaining contestants were already on their way to Disneyland! Jamal Roberts gave fans a sneak peek during a Facebook Live stream, revealing they were whisked straight from Hollywood to the park for a whirlwind two-day Disney experience.

For the first time ever, American Idol is dedicating two full nights to Disney-themed performances, airing:

• Sunday, May 11

• Monday, May 12

And guiding the contestants through this magical ride? None other than Lin-Manuel Miranda — the creative mastermind behind Hamilton, Moana, Encanto, and the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King. He’ll mentor the finalists on their song choices and appear live on May 12.

“I know my way around a Disney song… and I’m here to help,” Miranda teased in a preview.

 Special Guest: Iam Tongi Returns

Fans are also in for a treat as 2023 Idol winner Iam Tongi returns to the stage for a special performance of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the upcoming Lilo & Stitch live-action film, hitting theaters May 23.

 How to Vote — and What’s at Stake

Voting opens during the live shows and closes shortly after. Here’s the breakdown:

📅 Sunday, May 11:

• All 7 contestants perform Disney classics

• Voting open for under 2 hours

• 2 eliminations → Top 5 revealed

📅 Monday, May 12:

• Top 5 each perform two songs (a Disney hit + a personal pick)

• Votes determine the Top 3

Voting methods:

• American Idol app

• Text messaging

• Official Website

 What’s Next: Hometown Visits & the Grand Finale

Once the Top 3 are announced, they’ll head home for emotional hometown visits filled with parades, reunions, and heartfelt performances.

Then, it all comes down to this:

• Season Finale: Sunday, May 18 at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC

• Winner Reveal: Monday, May 19 — star-studded and unforgettable

 Why This Season Stands Out

With powerful vocals, surprising twists, the heart of Disney, and the brilliance of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Season 23 might just be American Idol’s most unforgettable season yet.

Whether you’ve been following from the start or just joining in — now’s the time to vote, cheer, and witness history.

Watch live Sundays and Mondays at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC — or stream the next day on Hulu. Don’t miss your chance to help crown the next American Idol! 🎤👑