The twenty-first season of American Idol premiered on February 19, 2023, on the ABC television network.

[3] Iam Tongi won the season on May 21, 2023, while Megan Danielle was the runner-up, and Colin Stough finished in third place.

During the audition round, a total of three platinum tickets were awarded, and they gave the recipients the opportunity to advance directly to the second round of Hollywood week as well as choose their partners for that week's duet challenge before the remaining contestants were paired.

During the American Music Awards, three contestants advancing to Hollywood week also were given the opportunity to win a fourth platinum ticket.

The platinum ticket recipients were Cam Amen, Kaylin Hedges, Elijah McCormick, and Tyson Venegas.

[9] Contestants were again mentored by American Idol alumni: Clay Aiken and David Archuleta (confidence), Phillip Phillips and Catie Turner (songwriting), and Justin Guarini and Jordin Sparks (stage presence).

[11] The Showstopper round featured the top 55 contestants performing for the judges and a live audience at the Los Angeles Theatre.

The top 26 contestants were split into two groups of thirteen and performed one solo each at the Aulani resort in Kapolei, Hawaii.

Three contestants from each group were eliminated based on the public vote, and the rest advanced to the top 20.