Ready For The Big Finish? Your American Idol Season 9 Finale Guide
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
May 11, 2026
How to watch live, meet the finalists, and listen to the podcast with extra behind-the-scenes coverage
The American Idol season finale is almost here! And we’re sharing everything you need to know before the big night. Find out how to watch live, meet the finalists, and get ready for their final performances. Can’t get enough of the show? We’ve got you covered with a quick guide to the American Idol podcast for a little backstage debrief.
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American Idol Season 9 Finalists
Hannah Harper, 26, Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom
Musical Influences: Lee Ann Womack, Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messina, The Isaacs, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
How She Consumes Music: Spotify
First Idol Experience: “I didn’t grow up with TV, so I didn’t know American Idol existed until I was older. My earliest memory is of Simon Cowell. I would look up Idol fails and those are my favorite ones to watch.”
Favorite Alums: Breanna Nix, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Tori Kelly
Jordan McCullough, 27, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Occupation: Worship Leader
Musical Influences: Brandy, Taylor Moore
How He Consumes Music: Apple Music, YouTube
First Idol Experience: Watching Season 10 at his best friend’s house
Favorite Alums: Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Ruben Studdard
Keyla Richardson, 29, Pensacola, Florida
Occupation: Music Teacher
Musical Influences: Dorinda Clark-Cole, the Clark Sisters, Mary Mary
How She Consumes Music: Apple Music, YouTube
First Idol Experience: Did not watch American Idol but when she was older, listened to Fantasia
Favorite Alums: Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson
All About The American Idol Season 9 Finale
When is the American Idol finale?
The three-hour Season 9 Grand Finale airs live on ABC and Disney+, Monday, May 11, at 8pm ET / 5pm PT, and next day on Hulu.
How can you watch the American Idol finale live?
Tune in to ABC or stream it live on Disney+ Monday, May 11 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT.
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What American Idol finale performances and guest moments should you watch for?
The finale will feature guest stars, live duets, and returning favorites. The finalists will perform their last songs before the long-awaited winner is revealed.
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How can you watch the American Idol finale simulcast?
The Season 9 finale streams on Disney+ at the same time it airs on ABC. Subscribers can watch the performances and winner reveal as they happen. If you miss the live broadcast, you can stream the episode on Hulu and Disney+ the next day.
Where can you watch or listen to the American Idol podcast?
Listen to the companion podcast to get all the backstage coverage, special guest interviews, and more after the finale. Watch it on Wednesday on Disney+ and Hulu, or wherever you get your podcasts.
All About American Idol
American Idol revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre. Helping determine who America will ultimately vote to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest hosts the beloved competition series.
Which stars got their start on American Idol?
Several American Idol alums have gone on to become major stars, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, and Adam Lambert.
Are your Monday nights looking empty after this season is over? Find a new show to stream with our reality TV Watch Guide, or check out what else is coming to Disney+ this month.
