Episode
American Idol: 916 (Grand Finale)
Overview
The Top 3 finalists give their all for the last chance to earn America's vote; Alicia Keys performs and serves as guest mentor; special performances from other music legends and today's top stars.
Details
- Series
- American Idol
- Season
- Season 9
- Episode
- Episode 16
- Air date
- 2026-05-11
- Runtime
- 128 min
Episode context
916 (Grand Finale) is Episode 16 in Season 9 of American Idol. It aired on 2026-05-11. The runtime is 128 min.
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More episodes from this season
Episode 14: 914 (Celebrating Taylor Swift on American Idol)
The Top 7 celebrate Taylor Swift's chart-topping hits and defining eras as America votes live to reveal the Top 5; a salute to California's biggest artists; Nikki Glaser guest judges.
Episode 13: 913 (Disney Night)
The Top 9 bring iconic Disney songs to life as America votes live to decide which seven finalists move one step closer to their dream of becoming the next "American Idol."
Episode 12: 912 (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
The Top 11 perform iconic hits from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees; inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026 ceremony are revealed.
Episode 11: 911 (90s Judges' Song Contest)
The Top 12 perform '90s hits secretly picked by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood; stars of ABC's "TGIF" '90s lineup hang with the hopefuls in the lounge as America votes for the Top 11.
Episode 10: Songs of Faith
The hopefuls lift their voices in inspiring songs of faith, 12 finalists continue on the journey to become the next singing sensation.
Episode 9: 909 (Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i (2))
In the final week at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i, Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer continue mentoring the top 20 hopefuls, Keke returns to the judging panel and takes the stage for a performance, Skip Marley performs.
Episode 8: 908 (Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i (1))
As the competition continues at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi, Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer mentor the Top 20 hopefuls. Keke also serves as a guest judge, while Iam Tongi and Thunderstorm Artis perform.
Episode 7: 907 ('Ohana Round)
At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i, hopefuls take the stage to perform for their own families, industry tastemakers and their fellow hopefuls; 20 contestants move forward.
Episode 6: 906 (Hollywood Week in Music City (2))
Hollywood Week in Music City continues, pushing hopefuls to their maximum potential as they compete to wow the judges; in the end, only 30 move forward.
Episode 5: 905 (Hollywood Week in Music City (1))
For the first time, Idol is bringing Hollywood Week to Music City as hopefuls take the stage for a make-or-break performance and face the biggest Hollywood Week cut in Idol history.