What Happened on American Idol Tonight? May 14, 2023 Episode Recap
by Sona
Updated May 15, 2023
American Idol
American Idol is an immensely popular singing competition television series in the United States. The show was created by Simon Fuller and produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment. Originally airing on Fox from June 11, 2002, to April 7, 2016, for 15 seasons, it made a comeback on March 11, 2018, after a two-year hiatus, with a revival on ABC.
Inspired by the British television show Pop Idol, American Idol quickly became a phenomenon and a major success in the history of American television. The show's format revolves around discovering talented singers who are not yet signed to record labels. Contestants compete against each other, with the ultimate winner determined by the voting of American viewers. The audience can cast their votes through phone calls, the internet, and SMS text messaging.
American Idol has been instrumental in launching the careers of many recording artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Adam Lambert, among others. The show has captivated audiences with its engaging performances, emotional moments, and the thrill of watching aspiring singers chase their dreams of stardom.
What Happened on American Idol Tonight?
On tonight's episode of American Idol, the beloved singing competition made its return on ABC. The judging panel consists of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, with Ryan Seacrest reprising his role as the host. In this high-stakes week, the Top 5 contestants of Season 21, namely Zachariah Smith, Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, Wé Ani, and Colin Stough, competed on May 14, 2023, with the hope of advancing to the Top 3.
The ultimate goal for tonight's contestants was to secure a spot in the coveted Top 3, which would grant them hometown visits and the opportunity to perform in next week's star-studded season finale. The winner of American Idol Season 21 would be determined in that grand finale.
Prior to the performances, the remaining five contestants enjoyed a special visit to Disneyland, where they had the chance to spend quality time with their families, including celebrating Mother's Day with their moms. They also received guidance and mentorship from Sofia Carson, a guest mentor, as they prepared for the Disney Week episode.
Each contestant showcased their talent by performing their favorite Disney classics. In a magical moment, Halle Bailey, known for her role in "The Little Mermaid," performed "Part of Your World" in front of Disneyland's iconic castle. During the two-hour live show, fans had the power to vote for their favorite contestant.
Voting could be done through various methods, including online, using the "American Idol" app, or via text. Fans were allowed to cast up to 30 votes for their preferred contestant. The episode was filled with anticipation and excitement as viewers eagerly awaited the results of the live voting, which would determine the final trio of singers moving on to the next stage of the competition.
American Idol Recap Tonight
On the May 14 episode of American Idol, it was Disney night, and the top five contestants had the privilege of being mentored by Sofia Carson. The show began with Ryan Seacrest granting the judges' wish to open the show dressed in amusing Disney attire. The episode kicked off with pop singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles performing the timeless classic "When You Wish Upon a Star," joined by all five remaining contestants mid-song.
Seacrest then introduced the judges, and Katy Perry made her iconic entrance in a Disney costume, continuing her tradition for the sixth consecutive season. This year, she chose to dress up as Elastigirl from "The Incredibles" as a tribute to all the mothers out there on Mother's Day. It's worth mentioning that during last year's Disney night, Perry encountered a mishap when she dressed as Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" and accidentally tipped over in her chair during the live broadcast.
The excitement continued as the contestants received valuable mentorship from Sofia Carson and took the stage to perform their selected songs, showcasing their talent and bringing the Disney magic to life.
American Idol Season 21 Top 3 Contestants
After the last commercial break, Ryan Seacrest made his return to announce the results of the voting and unveil the top three contestants who will move on to the American Idol Season 21 finale. The first contestant to secure a spot in the finale is Colin Stough. The second contestant advancing to the final is Megan Danielle. And finally, the third and last contestant in the top three is Iam Tongi.
Unfortunately, this means that We Ani and Zachariah Smith have been eliminated from the competition. The highly anticipated three-hour live finale of "American Idol" Season 21 is set to air on May 21.
What Happened on American Idol Tonight - FAQs
American Idol is an American singing competition television series that aims to discover talented singers and provide them with a platform to showcase their skills.
American Idol first aired on June 11, 2002.
American Idol was created by Simon Fuller.
The judges on American Idol have included notable personalities such as Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie.
Viewers can vote for their favorite contestants through various methods, including phone calls, text messages, and online voting.