Exciting New Theme and Surprise Guests Unveiled for ‘American Idol’ Season 24 Judges’ Song Contest

WARNING! THIS ARTICLE REVEALS MAJOR SPOILERS FOR AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 24! For the first time in its history, American Idol has adopted a themed approach for its annual Judges’ Song Contest, complete with special guests to enhance the festivities. This landmark season 24 sees Ryan Seacrest returning as host, joined by judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan.

The Judges’ Song Contest made its debut in season 20 back in 2022, during the tenure of Katy Perry alongside Lionel and Luke. In this segment, each judge nominates a song for every contestant, composing a trio of choices. Contestants then perform one of the songs, unaware of which judge suggested it. After their performance, they attempt to guess which judge picked their tune. The judge whose songs are most frequently selected wins, often earning the chance to save one of the night’s eliminated contestants.

Set to air on Monday, April 6, the Judges’ Song Contest in season 24 of American Idol introduces several exciting elements to distinguish it from past iterations. Here’s a closer look at what to anticipate.

Airing on Monday, April 6, the American Idol season 24 Judges’ Song Contest has some new features that will make it stand out from its previous versions. Here’s everything to know about it.

What Is The Theme Of The American Idol Season 24 Judges’ Song Contest?

According to an ABC press release, the American Idol season 24 Judges’ Song Contest will have a ’90s theme. Lionel, Carrie, and Luke will choose ’90s hits for the Top 12 contestants, who will be narrowed down by America’s Vote to the Top 11 by the end of the night. This is the first time that the Judges’ Song Contest will have a theme. In the past, the judges were able to choose whichever songs they wanted. Previous winners of the Judges’ Song Contest were Katy and Luke (season 20), Katy (seasons 21 & 22), and Lionel and Luke (season 23).

Who Are The American Idol Season 24 Judges’ Song Contest Special Guests?

Credit: Mike Coppola, Getty Images

The ABC press release also revealed that stars of ABC’s “TGIF” ’90s lineup will hang out with the hopefuls in the lounge during the episode. The “TGIF” shows included classics such as Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step, and Boy Meets World. Although not confirmed, it’s highly likely that Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga on the hit sitcom, will appear because she’s the host of the new official American Idol podcast, which will debut on April 1.

American Idol season 24 is jam-packed with incredible talent. On Monday, March 30, the Top 14 contestants will perform live for the first time on Songs of Faith Night as the results of the first America’s Vote from the Top 20 performances in Hawaii are revealed. The Top 20 contestants include Makiyah, Jake Thistle, Genevieve Hayward, Daniel Stallworth, Kyndal, Kutter Bradley, Jesse Findling, Hannah Harper, Braden Rumfelt, Brooks, Philmon Lee, Rae, Lucas Leon, Jordan McCullough, Abayomi, Madison Moon, Chris Tungseth, Ruby Rae, Julián Kalel, and Keyla Richardson.

The American Idol season 24 ’90s theme is an awesome twist that will challenge the contestants, many of whom weren’t even born in the ’90s or were small children during the decade. However, with so many iconic ’90s genres to choose from, the judges will have a vast number of classic songs on their lists. It’ll also be so much fun to see the “TGIF” stars on stage with the contestants. The American Idol season 24 Judges’ Song Contest has the potential to be the best one yet.

Source: ABC

Release Date

2002 – 2016-00-00

Network

ABC

Showrunner

Nigel Lythgoe

Directors

Ken Warwick

Franchise(s)

American Idol