‘American Idol’ Season 20: Photos Of Katy Perry, The Contestants & More

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February 25, 2022 9:00AM EST

‘American Idol’ is back for its milestone 20th season! See photos of the judges, contestants, and more as the new season gets underway.

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‘American Idol’ Season 20

‘American Idol’ Season 20 — ‘American Idol’ returns for a brand-new season on February 26. The iconic series is back for a fifth season on ABC and historic 20th season overall. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie will help determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation. This season, viewers will embark on a nationwide search across Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles, California, where the show’s iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences and hopefuls alike with never-before-seen twists and a first-ever Platinum ticket winner.

Auditions kicked in August 2021 with the return of Idol Across America, the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For the second year in a row, Idol Across America offered hopefuls the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an ‘Idol’ producer from anywhere in America and across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge audition round of the competition. Last season’s first-ever Idol Across America virtual auditions successfully kicked off many ‘American Idol’ journeys, including season 19 winner Chayce Beckham. See more photos of season 20 in our gallery now.

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Noah Thompson After Winning ‘Idol’

Noah Thompson After Winning ‘Idol’ — Noah Thompson is your new ‘American Idol’ champion. The country singer was all smiles after the results.

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Noah Thompson Wins ‘American Idol’

Noah Thompson Wins ‘American Idol’ — Season 20 came down to HunterGirl and Noah Thompson. When Noah’s name was announced as the winner, HunterGirl immediately embraced him.

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HunterGirl Gets Second Place

HunterGirl Gets Second Place — HunterGirl came in second place to Noah Thompson. ‘Riot’ by Rascal Flatts was her final song of the night.

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HunterGirl & Noah Thompson Await The Results

HunterGirl & Noah Thompson Await The Results — After a star-studded finale, it was time for the results. HunterGirl and Noah Thompson waited patiently to see who would be the new winner.

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Noah Thompson During ‘Idol’ Finale

Noah Thompson During ‘Idol’ Finale — Noah Thompson performed several times during the ‘Idol’ season 20 finale. He is now the season 20 winner!

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Thomas Rhett & Katy Perry

Thomas Rhett & Katy Perry — Thomas Rhett & Katy Perry took the stage together during the ‘Idol’ finale. They sang their duet ‘Where We Started.’

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Leah Marlene During The ‘Idol’ Finale

Leah Marlene During The ‘Idol’ Finale — Leah Marlene came in third place. She performed a number of times during the finale, including with Katy Perry.

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Katy Perry Dazzles In Red

Katy Perry Dazzles In Red — Katy Perry was a vision during the ‘Idol’ finale in a red sequined dress. She performed ‘Firework’ with Leah Marlene.

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HunterGirl During The ‘Idol’ Finale

HunterGirl During The ‘Idol’ Finale — HunterGirl performed her original song ‘Red Bird’ during the finale. She came in second place.

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‘Idol’ Judges During Season 20 Finale

‘Idol’ Judges During Season 20 Finale — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie during the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 20 finale. Katy dazzled in a silver sequined dress.

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Noah Thompson During The Top 5 Performances

Noah Thompson During The Top 5 Performances — Noah Thompson is one of the lucky contestants to make the top 3 of season 20. His performance of ‘Working Man’ was one of his best performances yet.

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Leah Marlene, Fritz Hager & Nicolina

Leah Marlene, Fritz Hager & Nicolina — Leah Marlene was the last name called to have made it into the top 3. Leah, HunterGirl, and Noah Thompson round out the 3 finalists of season 20.

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Fritz Hager & Leah Marlene Hug

Fritz Hager & Leah Marlene Hug — Leah Marlene and Fritz Hager shared a sweet hug after his elimination. The two have become close friends since meeting during Hollywood Week.

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Leah Marlene During The Top 5 Performances

Leah Marlene During The Top 5 Performances — Leah Marlene wowed with her performance of Carrie Underwood’s cover of ‘I’ll Stand By You.’ She later sang a Journey song for her second performance.

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HunterGirl During The Top 5 Performances

HunterGirl During The Top 5 Performances — HunterGirl fully embraced her love of country with her performance of ‘Undo It.’ Her second performance was a Little Big Town song.

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Fritz Hager During The Top 5 Performances

Fritz Hager During The Top 5 Performances — Fritz Hager switched things up with his performance of ‘I Wanna Remember.’ He later rocked out to a 5 Seconds of Summer performance.

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LIONEL RICHIE, KATY PERRY, LUKE BRYAN

LIONEL RICHIE, KATY PERRY, LUKE BRYAN — AMERICAN IDOL – “518 (Top 5)” – The Top 5 Idol hopefuls travel to The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas, to be mentored by eight-time GRAMMY® Award-winning country music superstar and 2005 “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood from Resorts World Theatre, home of her ongoing REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency. Each contestant will perform two songs, leaving it all on the stage in hopes of earning America’s vote and landing a spot in the Grand Finale. GRAMMY and Academy Award®-winning singer-songwriter and producer Finneas will also perform his new single “Naked.” “American Idol” airs LIVE, coast to coast, SUNDAY, MAY 15 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT/6:00-8:00 p.m. MDT/5:00-7:00 p.m. PDT), on ABC.(ABC/Eric McCandless)
LIONEL RICHIE, KATY PERRY, LUKE BRYAN

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‘Idol’ Judges On Disney Night

‘Idol’ Judges On Disney Night — Katy Perry went all-out on Disney Night. She wore an Ariel costume as the top 10 performed.

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Noah Thompson With His Son

Noah Thompson With His Son — Ahead of Disney Night, Noah reunited with his son Walker. The father and son took a trip to Disneyland.

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Katy Perry As Ariel

Katy Perry As Ariel — Katy Perry dressed up as Ariel from ‘The Little Mermaid’ for Disney Night. She fell out of her seat at the start of the show.

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Fritz Hager

Fritz Hager — Fritz Hager was the final performance of Disney Night. He performed ‘Go The Distance’ from ‘Hercules.’

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Nicolina

Nicolina — Nicolina channeled her inner Ursula on Disney Night. She performed ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ from ‘The Little Mermaid.’

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Leah Marlene

Leah Marlene — Leah Marlene wowed with an emotional performance during Disney Night. She sang ‘When She Loved Me’ from ‘Toy Story 2.’

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The Top 7 With The Judges

The Top 7 With The Judges — The top 7 posed alongside the judges after Disney Night. Three contestants were eliminated at the end of the show.

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‘Idol’ Judges Past & Present

‘Idol’ Judges Past & Present — Original ‘Idol’ judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will return for the ‘American Idol’ reunion on May 2. They posed for a photo alongside the new ‘Idol’ judges.

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Katy Perry With Paula Abdul & Randy Jackson

Katy Perry With Paula Abdul & Randy Jackson — Katy Perry sits at the judges’ table with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Only one missing is Simon Cowell!

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Kenedi Anderson During Her Last ‘Idol’ Performance

Kenedi Anderson During Her Last ‘Idol’ Performance — Kenedi Anderson dropped out of the competition because of ‘personal reasons.’ Her last performance on the show was singing Christina Perri’s ‘Human.’

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HunterGirl

HunterGirl — HunterGirl sings for the judges in the season 20 premiere. She works for veterans!

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CARLY MICKEAL

CARLY MICKEAL — AMERICAN IDOL – “505 (Auditions)” – Season five of “American Idol” continues on ABC as superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie journey to find America’s next singing sensation. As the final auditions across Los Angeles, California; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee, come to an end, the show’s iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences and hopefuls alike with never-before-seen twists; and the final Platinum Ticket winner is revealed. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest hosts “American Idol,” MONDAY, MARCH 21 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
CARLY MICKEAL

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Kenedi Anderson

Kenedi Anderson — Kenedi Anderson stunned the judges with her unique cover of Lady Gaga’s ‘Applause’ on the piano. She earned the second Platinum Ticket of the season.

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Kailyn Roberson

Kailyn Roberson — Kailyn Roberson auditions during the final night of auditions. She brings along her guitar for the performance.

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Sir Blayke

Sir Blayke — Sir Blayke is one of ‘American Idol’ season 20’s top 24 singers. He was once homeless before moving to LA.

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Kailyn Roberson & Matt Gorman

Kailyn Roberson & Matt Gorman — Kailyn Roberson and Matt Gorman audition together. They’re singers and both happen to be dating each other!

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CAMERON WHITCOMB

CAMERON WHITCOMB — AMERICAN IDOL – “505 (Auditions)” – Season five of “American Idol” continues on ABC as superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie journey to find America’s next singing sensation. As the final auditions across Los Angeles, California; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee, come to an end, the show’s iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences and hopefuls alike with never-before-seen twists; and the final Platinum Ticket winner is revealed. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest hosts “American Idol,” MONDAY, MARCH 21 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
CAMERON WHITCOMB

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Douglas Mills Jr.

Douglas Mills Jr. — Douglas Mills Jr. was the final performance of the fourth round of auditions. He’s only 18 years old and wowed with his performance of a Billie Holiday classic.

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Zareh

Zareh — Zareh auditioned during the March 20 episode. Her mother is Nadia Turner, who made the top 8 in season 4

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Haley Slaton

Haley Slaton — Haley Slaton auditions for ‘American Idol’ during the March 20 episode. She was expecting her first child at the time!

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Cadence Baker

Cadence Baker — Cadence Baker auditions during the March 13 episode. Her dad, Shane, plays the guitar for her.

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Emily Faith

Emily Faith — Emily Faith steps in front of the judges during the March 13 episodes. She plays the guitar for her auditions.

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Lady K

Lady K — Lady K wowed the judges with her rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘Wide Awake.’ She left them with thank-you cards that they read after they sent her to Hollywood.

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Mike Parker

Mike Parker — Mike Parker auditions for ‘American Idol’ season 20. He was previously on ‘The Voice.’

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LEAH MARLENE

LEAH MARLENE — AMERICAN IDOL – “502 (Auditions)” – Season five of “American Idol” continues on ABC as superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie journey to find America’s next singing sensation. Auditions continue across Los Angeles, California; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee, where the show’s iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences and hopefuls alike with never-before-seen twists and the second-ever Platinum Ticket winner is revealed. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest is host of “American Idol,” SUNDAY, MARCH 6 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
LEAH MARLENE

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Cole Hallman

Cole Hallman — Cole Hallman auditions during the season 20 premiere. He brings his guitar along for the audition!

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Danielle Finn

Danielle Finn — Danielle Finn is one of the season 20 contestants. She auditions during the premiere.

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Mike Parker

Mike Parker — Mike Parker sings for the judges during the ‘American Idol’ premiere. He’s one of the many hopeful singers of season 20.

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Joedi Silvers

Joedi Silvers — Joedi Silvers brings his guitar to his audition. He croons for the judges during the season 20 premiere.

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Grace Franklin

Grace Franklin — Grace Franklin auditions during the season 20 premiere. Grace is Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter!

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Katy Perry

Katy Perry — Katy Perry is back for season 20. In this promotional photo, she rocks a red leather dress.

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Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest — Ryan Seacrest is back for his 20th season as the host of ‘American Idol.’ He’s been with the show since the beginning!

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Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie — Lionel Richie looks suave in a gray and black suit for this season 20 promo photo. He returns for his fifth season with ‘Idol.

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Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan — Luke Bryan is the perfect gentleman in a suit. He returns for his fifth season as a judge.

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Katy Perry Dazzles In Silver

Katy Perry Dazzles In Silver — Katy Perry looks like a silver goddess in this strapless gown. Katy’s style? Out of this world!

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