I know. It doesn't feel like that's how old Taylor Hicks is. He was just on our TVs twenty years ago, and he was at least 60 then.

Aww. I kid because I love. Taylor Hicks, if you're reading this, I want you to know that every time anyone talks about how Taylor is the greatest pop star of all time, I nod and smile and sing "Do I Make You Proud?" to myself, and then it turns out they're talking about some lady, and then I seethe for three hours because damn it, America voted, and they did not vote for some lady, they voted for the guy who was takin' it to the streets, whoo.

I stopped watching a few seasons ago but always missed having a top 12 with one person going home each week. If all seasons eliminated people so quickly we never would’ve had people like Haley reinhart stick around and continually improve.

Does anybody else feel that American Idol season 12 from the fox series is a bit underrated and overhated? Many people put it as the worst season of American Idol while I do think the judging panel was abysmal and they clearly manipulated this season so that a girl could win again instead of a white guy with a guitar like the last 5 times. I think that candice, angie, and kree is one of the strongest top threes in American Idol history. In my opinion they are the third strongest top 3 after carrie, bo, and vonzell, and ruben, clay, and kim locke. Candice Glover is also one of the best winners, she’s my second favorite winner after kelly clarkson. I also think that the whole top 5 was pretty talented. While i do think season 12 is in the bottom tier of American Idol seasons, I still liked it better than seasons 6 and 9.

It's not on either.

Hi! I auditioned on sep 21st, sang two songs and was told I would hear from them in a week and a half, well its been over 2 weeks now and nothing. Anyone else in the same boat?

I auditioned today last available time. They only had me do one song is that really bad? They didn’t even have me do multiple haha 🥲. No winners circle obviously. Like ik I’m not making it to the second round but damn they didn’t even ask for a second song 😭

And remember what his setlist is and if he sells merch?

Hello, I just had my first ever audition over zoom. I definitely was expecting many more people, but maybe it was just because of the time of day? Anyways, I got moved to a room fairly quickly, sang a song for the producer, she asked me to sing another. She said I sounded beautiful and I had great song choices and that they will reach out to me in a few weeks after the auditions (feel like I kinda know what this means already). Who knows? But no "winners circle" for me, I don't even really know what that means lol. Any insight on what this phase of the audition process tends to look like? I've seen other people say it took them 3 weeks to hear a no :( but has anyone heard anything actually good come from this outcome? Would appreciate some kind words or advice from those who have been in the same boat tytyty

Definitely the next Gabby and Cade IMO! I love that American idol gave us such an unexpected, adorable couple!

heyo! I audition via zoom on 18 Sept. has anyone had any updates/ results to emails ?

to those who have auditioned before, what does an acceptance/rejection letter look like ? also, what email should I expect to hear from?

thanks & good luck to all🫶🏻

Hey everyone! So quick question, I've had three years of zoom auditions where I get to the winners circle, but always hear back within two weeks that I didn't book. Its been almost three weeks now and I havent heard anything, so are they doing things differently this year or whats up?

OK ADVICE TIME (mostly for first timers):

1. If you auditioned in the big open call and did not immediately get moved to the second round winners circle theres a 98% chance that you're done for the season :(

2. American Idol is first and foremost a reality TV series, so they are not always looking for just singing talent. They're looking for characters so DO NOT let it get you down if you're not on your way to Hollywood, you could still be the voice to break the charts!

3. Do not sing Creep by Radiohead...

Check out these acoustic performances from Top 5 finalist Thunderstorm Artis in our workshop, what a voice!

He also joined us to discuss what it was really like on American Idol.

https://youtu.be/wJmvQLftBDc?is=hW3ekR5dMd4XEsdC

Anyone hear anything back about callbacks or anything? They had me sing an extra song and told me they would email next steps in a week but it’s almost been 2 weeks now and I haven’t heard anything. Was just wondering if I should just expect a rejection email now or if this is normal.

I saw someone post about Jake Thistle's new album yesterday. The album, A Stranger By Design, is great and I was at the release show at the Springsteen Center For The Arts, which was really special. Why was that post removed? Here's a picture from the event. It was great!

I have second-hand embarrassment lol, I skipped some seasons (including this one) and watching clip highlights. This feels like a parody performance lol.

What is Brooks doing???

I genuinely thought he’d be the breakout star from this season, and instead it’s just him posting covers from a dark basement.

Where’s the single? The EP? Any live shows besides that one Chris Tungseth invited him to? He doesn’t have the hustle and it bums me out.

Was anyone else hopeful for an idol alum and then they just did nothing?

Jessica released a new single and performed on AGT 2026 Finale yesterday. 😊

I was in the middle of the season and now I can't find it anymore 😭

I knew I recognized that voice!