American Idol 2022! Everything You Need to Know, Including the Winner
American Idol, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary—its fifth season on ABC—is back (as of Feb. 27), with Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan as judges, as well as host Ryan Seacrest.
“American Idol is still the original music show that genuinely creates superstars and continues to evolve to allow true artists to succeed in this unique business,” said executive producer and showrunner Megan Wolflick in announcing the season. “The chemistry and passion Katy, Luke, Lionel and Ryan bring is second to none. We couldn’t be more ecstatic that they are returning for this iconic 20th season in search of the freshest new talent that this nation has to offer.”
Who won American Idol 2022?
On Sunday, May 22, Noah Thompson was named winner of American Idol 2022.
The Real Reason Bobby Bones Is Leaving American Idol
Bobby Bonesannounced on Instagram that he won't be returning to the ABC singing competition series after four seasons because of a conflict with another show.
He wrote in a now expired post: “Some of you noticed I’m not in the Idol promos this season. My contract [with] my new network won’t let me do another show right now. Love Idol, btw. Was a great 4 years.”
Parade.com asked executive producer Megan Wolflick at the ABC TCA panel for the series, who would be filling that spot—and the news could turn out to be exciting.
Related: Who Will Win American Idol 2022? Our Predictions
“There’s not anyone to replace Bobby per se, but this year we will be leaning into our amazing American Idol university alum to help our current Idols along the way in different stages of the competition, so lots of those familiar faces, who America has grown to love will be seen throughout the season and we are very, very excited and our alum are excited to give back,” she said.
Bones' journey with Idol began as a guest mentor for contestants beginning in 2019, then turned full-time mentor the following year.
Who will be replacing Bobby Bones as the mentor on American Idol?
American Idol just announced that not one but two mentors will step into Bobby Bones’ shoes when Bebe Rexha and American Idol alum Jimmie Allen will appear in the episode shot at the Disney Aulani Resort, helping the contestants get their best shot!
When does American Idol start?
Season 20 of American Idol premiered Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022.
When is American Idol on?
American Idol airs at 8 p.m. ET Sunday and Monday nights on ABC.
What are the American Idol changes for 2022?
Parade.com asked executive producer Megan Wolflick who would be filling Bobby Bones' spot—and the news could turn out to be exciting.
“There’s not anyone to replace Bobby per se, but this year we will be leaning into our amazing American Idol university alum to help our current Idols along the way in different stages of the competition, so lots of those familiar faces, who America has grown to love will be seen throughout the season and we are very, very excited and our alum are excited to give back,” she said.
The second big change involves the never-before-seen platinum ticket. Only three were given out, one each in Nashville, Austin and Los Angeles.
What is an American Idol platinum ticket?
Since platinum is the modern-day 20th anniversary gift, judges have switched the traditional golden tickets for platinum for the show's 20th season.
“We identify the best talent in each place and we give them this ticket, rather than our usual gold ticket, so this ticket gives them the ability to go to Hollywood Week,” Katy told Parade.com.
Related: American Idol Is Making Two Big Changes for Season 20, Including the Return of Former Idol Stars
American Idol Platinum Tickets for season 5
Night one of American Idol auditions included several very talented singers, but also one very special one, HunterGirl, who was awarded the first platinum ticket of the season. Luke Bryan gave his golden ticket to a country singer he called his "favorite female country voice" in five years! HunterGirl was given the ticket for Nashville.
The second platinum ticket was awarded to 17-year-old Kenedi Anderson, a high school student from Crozet, Virginia, who Lionel told, "You are the answer to our prayers.” Kenedi was awarded the platinum ticket for Los Angeles.
The third and final platinum ticket—from the Austin auditions—was awarded to 23-year-old Jay Copeland from Salisbury, Md., who belted out an amazing performance of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder. Lionel told him, "We needed this. We’ve been waiting for you to walk through that door. I’m so happy you showed up.”
Related: The Real Reason Kenedi Anderson Quit American Idol
Who are the American Idol judges in 2022?
Katy Perry
Lionel Richie
Luke Bryan
Who is the host of American Idol?
What would American Idol be without Ryan Seacrest, the only remaining original cast member, at the helm as host?
Related: It's Family First for American Idol's Luke Bryan! Get to Know His 5 Children and Their Mothers
Who's in the American Idol Top 10?
Christian Guardino, 21
Patchogue, N.Y.
Kitchen Staff
Emeryson Flora, 16
Cleveland, Ohio
High School Student
Fritz Hager, 22
Tyler, Texas
Security Officer
HunterGirl, 23
Winchester, Tenn.
Music Therapist
Jay Copeland, 23
Salisbury, Md.
Musician
Related: Exclusive First Look! Is Jay Copeland the Final Platinum Ticket Winner?
Lady K, 25
Tuskegee, Ala.
Musician
Leah Marlene, 20
Normal, Ill.
Musician
Mike Parker, 27
Warrentown, Va.
Carpenter
Noah Thompson, 19
Louisa, Ky.
Construction Worker
Nicolina Bozzo, 18
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
University Student
How can I audition for American Idol?
Is there an American Idol2022 trailer?
Yes! In it, American Idol all-star judges Luke, Katy, and Lionel, along with Ryan, star in a fun new promo where they explore alternate realities had they not been discovered.