‘American Idol’ Season 21: Photos Of Katy Perry, The Contestants & More

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February 17, 2023 9:00AM EST

The search for the next best thing in music is back! ‘American Idol’ season 21 premieres on February 19. See all the best photos.

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‘American Idol’ Season 21

‘American Idol’ Season 21 — This is… ‘American Idol!’ The singing competition series returns for season 21 on February 19. This marks the sixth season of the show on ABC. Your favorite judging trio — Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan — are back at the judges’ table looking for the next best singer in America. Ryan Seacrest returns as the host of the show — it’s his 21st season!

The show will go on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Nashville to find talented singers who want to chase their dreams of making it big in music. Last year’s winner was Noah Thompson, a former construction worker from Kentucky. HunterGirl, Fritz Hager, and Leah Marlene were among the fan favorites of last season.

Over the course of the season, viewers will meet amazing singers as they compete to become the next American Idol. See photos of ‘American Idol’ season 21 in our gallery now.

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Iam Tongi Wins ‘American Idol’ Season 21

Iam Tongi Wins ‘American Idol’ Season 21 — Iam Tongi is your ‘American Idol’ winner! He was crowned the new champion in the May 21 grand finale.

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Iam Tongi & Megan Danielle During The Finale

Iam Tongi & Megan Danielle During The Finale — It all came down to Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle in ‘American Idol’ season 21. In the end, Iam walked away the winner and Megan came in second place.

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Luke Bryan, Katy Perry & Lionel Richie During The Finale

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry & Lionel Richie During The Finale — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie got all dolled up for the season 21 finale. Katy Perry looked gorgeous in a sheer orange ensemble with cutouts.

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Katy Perry & Haven Madison

Katy Perry & Haven Madison — Katy Perry and Haven Madison performed together during the finale. They sang Haven’s original ‘Still Need You’ and Katy’s ‘By The Grace of God.’

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Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken

Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken — Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken reunited on the ‘Idol’ stage during the season 21 finale. Ruben won season 2, while Clay came in second place.

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Megan Danielle During The Finale

Megan Danielle During The Finale — Megan Danielle performed several times throughout the finale. She also debuted her original song ‘Dream Girl.’

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Luke Bryan & Colin Stough

Luke Bryan & Colin Stough — Luke Bryan and Colin Stough hit the stage together during the season 21 finale. Colin came in third place.

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Megan Danielle & Lauren Daigle

Megan Danielle & Lauren Daigle — Megan Danielle and Lauren Daigle got the chance to perform again together during the season 21 finale. Lauren surprised Megan during her audition earlier in the season.

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Iam Tongi & James Blunt

Iam Tongi & James Blunt — Iam Tongi got emotional during his performance of ‘Monsters’ with James Blunt during the finale. At one point, Iam had to stop singing.

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The ‘Idol’ Judges On Disney Night

The ‘Idol’ Judges On Disney Night — Katy Perry went all-out once again for ‘American Idol’s Disney Night. She dressed up as Elastigirl for the occasion.

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Iam Tongi On Disney Night

Iam Tongi On Disney Night — Iam Tongi delivered two stellar performances on Disney Night. He sang ‘Lava’ from the short film ‘Lava’ and ‘Father and Son’ from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.’

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Colin Stough On Disney Night

Colin Stough On Disney Night — Colin Stough looked like the definition of a country star on Disney Night. He performed ‘Real Gone’ from ‘Cars’ and ‘Nobody Knows’ from ‘Pete’s Dragon.’

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Megan Danielle On Disney Night

Megan Danielle On Disney Night — Megan Danielle is the lone girl in ‘Idol’s top 3. She performed amazing renditions of ‘Carried Me With You’ from ‘Onward’ and ‘You Can’t Stop The Girl’ from ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.’

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Colin Stough Makes The Top 12

Colin Stough Makes The Top 12 — Colin Stough had a breakout moment after making the top 12. He performed a stripped down rendition of Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own.’

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Nutsa Makes The Top 12

Nutsa Makes The Top 12 — Nutsa was the final singer to make the top 12. She earned one of the judges’ saves.

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Iam Tongi & Lionel Richie Hug

Iam Tongi & Lionel Richie Hug — Lionel Richie ran up to the stage to hug Iam Tongi after Iam performed his song ‘Stuck On You.’ Iam has made the top 12.

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Lucy Love Makes The Top 12

Lucy Love Makes The Top 12 — Lucy Love earned a judges’ save to make the top 12. She performed an excellent rendition of ‘Radioactive’ by Imagine Dragons.

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The Judges & Ryan Seacrest Go Live

The Judges & Ryan Seacrest Go Live — For the first time all season, ‘American Idol’ went live. The judges and Ryan Seacrest watched as the results came in for the top 12.

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Iam Tongi In Hawaii

Iam Tongi In Hawaii — Iam Tongi returned home to Hawaii as he performed with ‘American Idol’s top 26. He sang ‘Don’t Let Go’ by Spawnbreezie.

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Nailyah Serenity In Hawaii

Nailyah Serenity In Hawaii — For her top 26 performance in Hawaii, Nailyah Serenity performed ‘Loving You’ by Minnie Riperton. Lionel Richie told her she ‘went to the next level.’

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Haven Madison In Hawaii

Haven Madison In Hawaii — Haven Madison belted out ‘The Middle’ by Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey for her top 26 performance. Katy Perry told her that she’s got ‘incredible talent.’

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Elijah McCormick In Hawaii

Elijah McCormick In Hawaii — Elijah McCormick will perform for America’s vote in the second round of top 26 performers. He’ll be mentored by Noah Cyrus.

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Malik Heard In Hawaii

Malik Heard In Hawaii — Malik Heard is ready to take the competition to a new level! He performs in Hawaii as part of the top 26.

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Nutsa In Hawaii

Nutsa In Hawaii — We’re nuts about Nutsa. Nutsa will perform in the April 17 episode of top 26 performers.

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Katy Perry & Luke Bryan

Katy Perry & Luke Bryan — Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are up on their feet during round one of the auditions. Katy shimmers in this silver sequined dress.

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Iam Tongi

Iam Tongi — Iam Tongi auditions in the season 21 premiere. He brings along his guitar for his performance.

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Lyric Medeiros

Lyric Medeiros — Lyric Medeiros performs for the judges during the auditions. She’s channeling Britney Spears with her denim look.

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Kya Monee’

Kya Monee’ — Kya Monee’ sings for the judges in the hopes of making it to the next round. Kya was previously a contestant in season 19.

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Katy Perry Holds A Bird

Katy Perry Holds A Bird — Things get wild in the season 31 premiere. Katy Perry holds a bird on her wrist while sitting at the judges’ table.

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Haven Madison

Haven Madison — Haven Madison is one of the singers to audition in the season 21 premiere. Haven is still in high school!

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Michael Williams

Michael Williams — Michael Williams plays the piano and sings for the judges in the season 21 premiere. He was previously on ‘The Voice.’

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Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan — Luke Bryan is ready to find the next singing sensation. He shows off his grin sitting at the judges’ table.

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Colin Stough

Colin Stough — Colin Stough croons out on his guitar in the season 21 premiere. This guy is a country boy, no doubt about it!

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Tyson Venegas

Tyson Venegas — Tyson Venegas sings by the piano in his audition. He hails from Canada.

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Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie — Bird got your tongue? Lionel Richie holds a bird on his hand in the season 21 premiere.

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Jon Wayne Hatfield

Jon Wayne Hatfield — Jon Wayne Hatfield auditions for the show during the second round of auditions. His original song earns praise from the judges.

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Trey Louis

Trey Louis — Trey Louis is auditioning for ‘American Idol’ season 21. He’s a survivor of the Sante Fe High School shooting

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Kaylin Hedges

Kaylin Hedges — Kaylin Hedges auditioned for ‘American Idol’ during the February 26 episode. She earned the coveted Platinum Ticket.

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Elijah McCormick

Elijah McCormick — Elijah McCormick auditions for ‘American Idol’ during the March 5 episode. He sings ‘Bless the Broken Road’ by Rascal Flatts.

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Olivia Soli

Olivia Soli — Olivia Soli performs Lionel Richie’s ‘Hello’ during her audition. Lionel calls the performance ‘perfection.’

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Adin Boyer

Adin Boyer — Adin Boyer performs his audition from the piano. Adin is a teacher and autism advocate.

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Preston Duffee

Preston Duffee — Preston Duffee is a country singer auditioning for ‘American Idol.’ Preston hails from Hartsville, South Carolina.

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