Hey music lovers are you ready for another season of dreams coming true? American Idol is back for its 23rd season overall and its eighth on ABC and things are heating up. Get ready for new talent new drama and a familiar face joining the judges' table.
Get a Sneak Peek at American Idol Season 23 Right After the Oscars! Yes Really!
Mark your calendars folks because ABC is giving us a special treat. On Sunday March 2nd right after the Oscars telecast there will be a special preview of American Idol Season 23 . That's right you can get your Idol fix immediately after Hollywood's biggest night. It is like dessert after a fancy dinner but with more singing and less acceptance speeches.
This preview is your chance to get a first look at the hopefuls auditioning to become the next big music star. You will also see the judging panel in action including some fresh dynamics with a new face in the mix and our beloved host Ryan Seacrest guiding the ship as always. Consider it a tasty appetizer before the main course that is the full season premiere.
Carrie Underwood Returns to Idol But This Time as a Judge! Full Season Premiere Date Announced
Speaking of new faces get ready for a blast from the past. Carrie Underwood is joining American Idol as a judge this season. Yes THAT Carrie Underwood the season four winner way back in 2005. It is a fantastic full-circle moment for the show and for Carrie. She is going to bring her own superstar experience and expertise to the judging panel alongside returning favorites Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Imagine getting feedback from Carrie Underwood herself if you are an aspiring singer on that stage!
For those eager for the full Idol experience the official season 23 premiere is set for Sunday March 9th. It will be a two-hour episode kicking off at 8 PM EDT/PDT. So you have got the Oscars preview on March 2nd to whet your appetite and then the full season launch on March 9th. Plenty of Idol goodness coming your way in early March.
Meet Freddie McClendon Could This Greenwood Singer Be the Next American Idol?
And guess what South Carolina folks? Season 23 will feature a contestant with local ties. Singer-songwriter Freddie McClendon from Greenwood has auditioned for American Idol. Keep an eye out for him as the season unfolds. Wouldn't it be cool to see someone from Greenwood make a big splash on the national stage?
Freddie has a compelling story too. He wrote an entire album "Present Memories" in memory of his father who passed away in 2023. His first single "Yellow Dress" came out in 2024. American Idol even featured Freddie in one of their "journey spot" promos highlighting his personal story and musical talent. Maybe Freddie McClendon will be the name everyone is talking about this Idol season.
How to Watch the American Idol Season 23 Preview and Premiere Don't Miss a Beat!
Want to make sure you don't miss a single moment of American Idol Season 23? Here is your guide on how to watch:
- Oscars Preview Special: Sunday March 2nd at 10:30 PM ET/PT on ABC. Check your local listings for exact time as it is after the Oscars telecast which starts earlier.
- Season 23 Premiere: Sunday March 9th at 8:00 PM EDT/PDT on ABC. It will be a two-hour episode.
- Streaming on Hulu: Episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the day after they air on ABC. So if you miss the live broadcast Hulu is your friend.
- Live Streaming Services: If you want to watch live online services like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream offer ABC and often have free trials for new subscribers. FuboTV even has a seven-day free trial and DirecTV Stream offers a five-day trial.
With so many ways to watch there is no excuse to miss out on the singing competition action. Get ready to tune in and start picking your early favorites.
American Idol Still a Social Media Superstar: Season 23 Hype is Real
Even after all these years American Idol remains a social media giant. The show ranked as the number one most social entertainment series on broadcast and cable in the 2023-2024 TV season . That means people are still talking about Idol online like crazy. Over 66 million social interactions for the last season that's impressive. This proves American Idol still knows how to get people engaged and excited.
With Carrie Underwood joining the judges panel and the buzz around new contestants like Freddie McClendon Season 23 is set to be another big season. Get ready to join the conversation online and see who America chooses as their next Idol superstar.