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American Idol season 20 finalist Fritz Hager placed in the Top 5 of the singing competition show. Since American Idol season 20 ended, Fritz has released three singles. Fritz has been performing live, including shows with his fellow American Idol season 20 finalist Leah Marlene.

American Idol season 20 finalist Fritz Hager captivated the audience when he competed in the singing competition show in 2022, and he's been busy with many exciting things ever since. Fritz, a then-21-year-old singer from Tyler, Texas, worked as a security officer before he left his job to pursue music. He made it to the Top 5 of American Idol season 20, along with Nicolina. They were eliminated just before the Top 3, which consisted of third place finisher Leah Marlene, runner-up HunterGirl, and winner Noah Thompson.

During American Idol season 20, Fritz wowed everyone with his extraordinary emotional performances. He brought his own unique style to songs such as "Waves" by Dean Lewis,...

Season 19 of “American Idol” has finally entered the voting stage, which is where the power shifts from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to viewers at home. Based on America’s votes, the Top 24 will be pared down to the Top 16 on Sunday, April 11, which means we’re getting even closer to finding out who will join the winners list that includes superstars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Laine Hardy. Who do You think it will be? Hurry and make your predictions in Gold Derby’s predictions center. It’s fun and easy — start right now!

Each week the eligible user with the highest prediction accuracy will win a $100 Amazon gift card, eternal bragging rights and a spot on our “American Idol” leaderboard. (See our contest rules.) It’s free to register for an account via email, Facebook, Google or Twitter, so what are you waiting for?...

The live remote housebound version of “American Idol’s” of the Season 18 finale that crowned Just Sam as the winner lacked the usual glitz, fanfare and onstage hugs that has defined ABC’s reality singing competition. But loyal viewers found much to like in this more intimate and heartfelt version of their favorite show that allowed us to see the contestants on their home turf with loved ones and friends.

We asked you what was your favorite moment on the season closer and 24% most enjoyed the 2020 version of “We Are the World” that was kicked off by Lionel Ritchie, who originally co-wrote the philanthropic chart-topper back in 1985 with Michael Jackson.

See ‘American Idol’ finale recap: Who won Season 18? [Updating Live Blog]

He was joined by fellow judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan and such former “Idol” past winners and fan favorites such as Alejandro Aranda aka Scarypoolparty, Gabby Barrett, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee,...

"This is life-changing. This is a dream come true, all the good things," Just Sam told E! News' Lilliana Vasquez after winning American Idol. Just Sam got the news of her win in the long-running reality show's first-ever remote finale. Production was halted and plans adjusted after the coronavirus spread causing mass production shutdowns. Reality shows, like American Idol and The Voice, pivoted to at-home self-taping to conclude the seasons. In the Sunday, May 17 finale, it was down to Just Sam and Arthur Gunn after Dillon James, Francisco Martin and Jonny West were eliminated earlier in the night. Just Sam said the win was "super unexpected." "I don't even know how to wrap my...

ABC’s “American Idol” named its third winner on Sunday, the singing competition’s first champion to be crowned from home due to pandemic-forced production shutdowns.

During last night’s finale, 21-year-old singer Just Sam won Season 3 of ABC’s “Idol” — Season 18 for the franchise overall — beating fellow finalists Arthur Gunn, Julia Gargano, Dillon James, Louis Knight, Francisco Martin and Jonny West. Gunn was runner-up.

But her big win wasn’t the only big moment of the night.

Also Read: 'American Idol' Renewed for Season 4 at ABC

The Season 3 finale included these performances: Cynthia Erivo and “Idol” Season 3’s Top 11 singing a medley of iconic Aretha Franklin songs; Lauren Daigle and the Top 5 performing her hit”You Say”; Rascal Flatts and Doug Kiker performing “Bless The Broken Road”; Luke Bryan performing his new single “One Margarita”; Katy Perry performing her new single “Daisies” in its first-ever TV debut...

On the “American Idol” season 18 finale on Sunday, Just Sam pulled off an upset over Arthur Gunn, who had been the frontrunner all season long. In our overnight poll, a whopping 41% of those weighing in wanted Arthur to win and think that he was robbed of the season 18 title. Arthur earned far more votes than Just Sam, who has only 25% of the total tally as of this writing. And he outpolled the other three artists in the Top 5: Dillon James (10%), Francisco Martin (13%) and Jonny West (11%).

What do you think? Did Just Sam deserve to win “American Idol”? Or do you think Arthur Gunn was robbed of the season 18 championship? Even though he lost on May 18, this singer/songwriter from Kansas could end up the big winner. His talents were showcased in the finale as he got the chance to sing two songs.

If you haven’t cast your ballot yet,...

Just Sam won season 18 of “American Idol” over Arthur Gunn on Sunday, May 17. Are you happy with this result? Did Just Sam deserve to win? Vote in our poll below and then sound off in our comments section with your thoughts on the third season of the ABC revival as well as your opinion of host Ryan Seacrest and judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

After Seacrest announced that Sam had won this third edition of the ABC version of “American Idol,” she was not given the chance to perform her winner’s single, “”Rise Up.” While that cover of the R&b track by Andra Day sounds like a winner, Sam was not expected to take the title.

Arthur Gunn had been the frontrunner all season long, ever since his audition video went viral back in early March. This singer/songwriter performed the Bob Dylan classic “Girl...

It’s official: Just Sam (real name Samantha Diaz) is the winner of “American Idol” Season 18! This souful 21-year-old beat out runner-up Arthur Gunn and finalists Dillon James, Francisco Martin and Jonny West at the end of Sunday’s remote finale to claim the most coveted title in reality TV. Just Sam is now the seventh woman to win “American Idol” in the 18 years of the popular singing show, joining a list that includes Kelly Clarkson (Season 1), Carrie Underwood (Season 4) and Maddie Poppe (Season 16). See the updated winners list by clicking through our photo gallery above.

See‘American Idol’ judges rankings: All 14 judges ranked from worst to best

“My dreams have come true,” Just Sam exclaimed from home in Los Angeles, CA. She accepted her title remotely as the entire production had to go into quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. (See how live voting was affected.) Just Sam then joined judges Lionel Richie,...

Thirty-five years after Lionel Richie blessed us with “We Are the World,” the American Idol judge has released an updated version of his feel-good anthem with the help of some iconic contestants of seasons past.

The new rendition made its TV debut during Sunday’s Idol finale, as the Top 11 of Season 18 — Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Francisco Martin, Grace Leer, Jonny West, Jovin Webb, Julia Gargano, Just Sam, Louis Knight, Makayla Phillips and Sophia James — joined an impressive list of previous winners and finalists.

More from TVLineJimmy Kimmel Honors Frequent Live! Guest Fred Willard in Tribute EpisodeLost Quiz: How Well...

American Idol hosted its first-ever virtual finale on Sunday, crowning the winner of Season 18 from a distance of six feet… and many miles.

The first order of business was trimming the remaining seven contestants down to five, which meant the elimination of two more fan favorites. After tallying the nationwide vote based on last Sunday’s episode, Ryan Seacrest announced that Julia Gargano and Louis Knight were going staying home. This left the Top 5 — Dillon James, Jonny West, Arthur Gunn, Francisco Martin and Just Sam — to sing for America’s real-time votes.

More from TVLineJimmy Kimmel Honors Frequent Live! Guest...

Everything’s coming up “Daisies” for Katy Perry, who treated American Idol viewers to the small-screen debut of her new single during Sunday’s virtual finale. Released on May 15, “Daisies” is the first single off Perry’s upcoming sixth studio album.

Other Idol finale highlights include Cynthia Erivo performing a medley if Aretha Franklin’s biggest hits, Lauren Daigle and the Top 5 perform performing “You Say,” Rascal Flatts and Doug Kiker performing “Bless the Broken Road,” Luke Bryan performing “One Margarita,” and Lionel Richie — joined by a bevy of Idol alumni, as well as this season’s Top 11 — performing a...

The “American Idol” finale airs live on May 18 beginning at 8 p.m. Et/7 p..m. Ct. At the top of the show, Ryan Seacrest will reveal which two of the Top 7 — Julia Gargano, Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Just Sam, Louis Knight, Francisco Martin and Jonny West — didn’t make the cut. Each of the Top 5 will then perform two songs in the hopes of winning season 18. They will start off the two-hour telecast with an original song. Later, each of them will reprise one of their songs from a previous episode; this will be the winner’s single.

Unlike the previous two “American Idol” finales, this one is not being broadcast live nationwide. That’s due to the drastic change in production because of the Covid-19 pandemic. All of the contestants are performing from home; each was sent the same camera and lighting equipment to ensure fairness. The three judges — Katy Perry,...

Voting for the winner of “American Idol” kicks off at the start of ABC’s broadcast on Sunday as soon as Ryan Seacrest reveal which of the Top 7 made the cut. As voting will only continue until the last of the Top 5 has performed their second song through the two-hour live finale, it is important you know the three ways to have your say: by app, online or via text. Keep reading as we have all the details you will need to vote for the season 18 winner of “American Idol.”

Although the show will not air live nationwide, ABC has made special arrangements for fans in the western half of the country to still take part. The network will be posting each of the performances by the Top 5 on the “American Idol” YouTube channel as soon as they go out on the East Coast feed.

ABC lets you vote up...

“Between Catie Turner and Alejandro Aranda, I’ve really seen a spot for me here,” says Julia Gargano, a 22-year old college student from Staten Island, New York hoping to become the next “American Idol.” “I consider myself a songwriter. At age 8 I started taking piano lessons and that’s where the singer-songwriter part of my life began. I can’t picture myself doing anything else. Now Gargano is one of seven artists in the running to become the Season 18 winner.

Gargano soared when she reached the Top 20, singing “Human” and earned a spot in the Top 11. In the “Homeward Bound” episode she took on a Billy Joel classic with “New York State of Mind” and once again felt the love from viewers who voted her into the Top 7. For her “Disney/Mother’s Day” double, Gargano performed “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sweetest Devotion” in hopes of being voted into the finale.

“I go by Just Sam,” says Samantha Diaz, a 21-year old contestant from Harlem, New York who was busking in the subway with hopes of becoming the next winner of “American Idol.” Now Just Sam is one of seven artists in the running to become the Season 18 winner.

Sam soared when she reached the Top 20, singing “I Believe” and earned a spot in the Top 11. In the “Homeward Bound” episode she took on a Bill Withers classic with “Grandma’s Hands” and once again felt the love from viewers who voted her into the Top 7. For her “Disney/Mother’s Day” double, Sam performed “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “I Turn to You” in hopes of being voted into the finale.

See Attention, West Coast ‘American Idol’ viewers: Here’s how You can vote for Sunday’s winner in real time

“Growing up I was kind of a tom boy,...

The “American Idol” finale on Sunday will open with the Top 7 reduced to the five finalists. We are predicting that Julia Gargano and Louis Knight will be eliminated. But which of the Top 5 — Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Just Sam, Francisco Martin and Jonny West. — will win?

We’ve been surveying viewers all season long. In our exclusive “American Idol” winner predictions, Arthur Gunn remains out in front to take the title on May 17. But Just Sam is catching up in the final hours leading up to the live show. And Francisco Martin is making a late break for the finish line as well. But don’t count out the other Top 5 finalists in our “American Idol” season 18 rankings: Dillon James and Jonny West. Remember, Laine Hardy pulled off an upset over frontrunner Alejandro Aranda last year.

Who do you want to win season 18 of “American Idol”? Review their performances to...

On the “American Idol” finale on Sunday, two of the Top 7 won’t make the cut. In our poll of “American Idol” viewers, the two contenders likeliest to be eliminated are Julia Gargano and Louis Knight. If our “American Idol” elimination predictions are correct this will mean that the Top 5 are: Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Just Sam, Francisco Martin and Jonny West.

The Top 7 sang on May 10 for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Each had two turns in the spotlight. The first was a song from a Disney film while the second was a musical tribute to their mothers. Take a read of our recap of the performances by Julia and Louis.

Julia sang the title track from”Beauty and the Beast” and turned this ballad into a jazzy mid-tempo tune. Luke loved the cry in Julia’s voice but felt the song was pitched too low,...

“American Idol” fans have been weighing in with their Top 5 predictions for season 18 ever since the Top 7 performed on Sunday’s show. Two of those singers won’t make the cut next Sunday and will fall just short of a chance to be in the finale. As of this writing, Julia Gargano and Louis Knight are the likeliest pair to be eliminated on May 17. The five favored to make it through are: Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Just Sam, Francisco Martin and Jonny West.

Do you agree or disagree with our readers’ choices? There’s still time to make your predictions before the Top 5 is revealed by Ryan Seacrest on the live finale of “American Idol” next Sunday night, so get started now.

The seven semi-finalists performed on May 10 for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. The top five vote getters will advance on Sunday while it will be...

For the first time ever, the Top 7 contestants on “American Idol” performed from the comfort of their own homes amid the current Covid-19 pandemic. Now they each hope to become one of the five finalists competing for the Season 18 title on Sunday, May 17. Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan will critique the performances from their own homes while Ryan Seacrest hosts. But who has the best shot at making the cut? And who will win? Check out our official Power Rankings of the Top 7 below.

Following America’s last nationwide vote, the road will come to an end for two contestants when the Top 5 are revealed. Then, America will vote in real-time to determine the winner. Hoping to perform for the title are Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Francisco Martin, Jonny West, Julia Gargano, Just Sam and Louis Knight. Do you agree with our rankings?

1. Arthur Gunn

(Top 20 Performance:...

Arthur Gunn‘s life was changed forever when his “American Idol” audition of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival went viral. The 22-year old musician from Wichita, Kansas was born half a world away in Nepal, Kathmandu, but now he is one of seven artists in the running to become the Season 18 winner.

Gunn soared when he reached the Top 20, singing “Lovin’ Machine” and earned a spot in the Top 11. In the “Homeward Bound” episode he took on a John Denver classic with “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and once again felt the love from viewers who voted him into the Top 7. For his “Disney/Mother’s Day” double, Gunn performed “Kiss the Girl” and “Hey, Ma” in hopes of being voted into the finale.

See Attention, West Coast ‘American Idol’ viewers: Here’s how You can vote for Sunday’s winner in real time

“Music...

For Top 7 semifinalist Dillon James, making it to the Hawaii showcase on “American Idol” was the moment it sunk in just how far he’s come. “For me in my life, in my journey I’ve been going through, you kind of pray and hope and wish to do something with your life and not fall apart in front of your family and your friends,” says the 26-year old construction worker from Bakersfield, California. Now James is one of seven artists in the running to become the Season 18 winner.

James soared when he reached the Top 20, singing “Let it Be Me” and earned a spot in the Top 11. In the “Homeward Bound” episode he took on a Beatles classic with “Yesterday” and once again felt the love from viewers who voted him into the Top 7. For his “Disney/Mother’s Day” double, James performed “Our Town” and “Hang On, Hang...

Seven singers remain in the running to win American Idol, but only five will get to sing for viewers’ real-time votes in Sunday’s season finale (ABC, 8/7c). And regardless of which contestant takes home the title, it’s going to be a close race.

Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Francisco Martin, Jonny West, Julia Gargano, Just Sam and Louis Knight round out this season’s Top 7, though two singers will be sent home — or will just continue to stay home, considering they’re all quarantined — early into Sunday’s broadcast. America will then be able vote for the singer they...

Francisco Martin may not have walked into his initial audition for “American Idol” with much confidence, but the 19-year old college student from San Francisco is now coming to terms his newfound fame. Now Martin is one of seven artists in the running to become the Season 18 winner.

Martin soared when he reached the Top 20, singing “Teenage Dream” and earned a spot in the Top 11. In the “Homeward Bound” episode he took on a James Arthur hit with “Falling Like the Stars” and once again felt the love from viewers who voted him into the Top 7. For his “Disney/Mother’s Day” double, Martin performed “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “River” in hopes of being voted into the finale.

See Attention, West Coast ‘American Idol’ viewers: Here’s how You can vote for Sunday’s winner in real time

“Growing up, I didn’t really believe in myself,...

Louis Knight began his “American Idol” journey singing an original song called “Change” about his best friend that committed suicide. The 19-year old pizza delivery guy from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania reminded the judges of a young boy band member, but quickly showed the judges he is more than a handsome face. Now Knight is one of seven artists in the running to become the Season 18 winner.

Knight soared when he reached the Top 20, singing “If the World Was Ending” and earned a spot in the Top 11. In the “Homeward Bound” episode he took on a Coldplay hit with “In My Place” and once again felt the love from viewers who voted him into the Top 7. For his “Disney/Mother’s Day” double, Knight performed “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “You’ve Got a Friend” in hopes of being voted into the finale.

See Attention, West Coast ‘American Idol’ viewers:...

Jonny West had accompanied his girlfriend, Margie Mays, to her Season 17 audition of “American Idol” and in Season 18 he decided to try out alongside her. While Margie made it to Hollywood again, it was her accompanist who really made the judges swoon. Now West is one of seven artists in the running to become the Season 18 winner.

West soared when he reached the Top 20, singing “What a Wonderful World” and earned a spot in the Top 11. In the “Homeward Bound” episode he took on a Journey classic with “Faithfully” and once again felt the love from viewers who voted him into the Top 7. For his “Disney/Mother’s Day” double, West performed “Almost There” and “Amazing Grace” in hopes of being voted into the finale.

See Attention, West Coast ‘American Idol’ viewers: Here’s how You can vote for Sunday’s winner in real time

The 23-year old piano teacher from Murietta,...

The Season 18 finale of “American Idol” will take place on Sunday, May 17 and if viewers are as divided as Gold Derby senior editors Marcus James Dixon, Susan Wloszczyna and contributor Denton Davidson, it could be a nail biter! Each of them is predicting a different winner in this historic season that was nearly upended by the Covid-19 pandemic. Watch our finale predictions video above and let us know who You want to win the title.

“I think the Season 18 winner will be Arthur Gunn,” proclaims Davidson. “I’m picking him based on the season as a whole. He was the first artist that went viral and exploded in a big way. His voice is easily identifiable and Arthur’s views on social media triples everyone else. He’s had such a great run this season and I think that the format of performing from home makes it harder for contestants...

“American Idol” has been renewed for a 19th season and its 4th on ABC. There is no news yet if host Ryan Seacrest or judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan will return to the singing competition, but we can expect a new batch of hopeful pop stars to compete for the title in 2021.

During its three-month run to date, “American Idol” is Sunday’s #1 broadcast series with adults 18-49. Despite having to adjust their format throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the series has actually increased delayed viewing across linear and digital platforms by 23%. So far Season 18 has over 600 million video views, is the #1 social reality TV series of 2020 and the #1 most viewed social program on social media.

SEEAttention, West Coast ‘American Idol’ viewers: Here’s how You can vote for Sunday’s winner in real time

“American Idol” will crown its next singing sensation live during the epic grand finale event on Sunday,...

ABC has renewed “American Idol” for a fourth season.

The singing competition series, like the rest of the television industry, has faced production shutdowns due to the coronavirus. But instead of going off the air, the show has been airing episodes filmed remotely since April 26, with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, mentor Bobby Bones, and all top 20 contestants shooting their segments from home.

The Season 3 finale airs Sunday, May 17 at 8 p.m. Et, at which point viewers will first vote to narrow the talent pool down from seven to five and then later crown the winner.

Also Read: Ryan Seacrest Kept the Original 'American Idol' Desk For Years - Now He's Finally Using It (Video)

Performers set to appear on the finale include Cynthia Erivo performing a medley of Aretha Franklin songs with the Top 11; Lauren Daigle and the...

“American Idol” has been renewed for a fourth season at ABC.

The news comes just days ahead of the Season 3 finale, which will air on the broadcast network on May 17. Among the performances scheduled for the finale are: Luke Bryan performing his new single “One Margarita;” Katy Perry performing her new single “Daisies;” and Lionel Richie performing “We Are the World” along with his fellow “Idol” judges, the top 11 contestants, and several past “American Idol” winners.

The top 7 going into the finale are Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Francisco Martin, Jonny West, Julia Gargano, Just Sam, and Louis Knight.

The show would typically end with a splashy live finale, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the storied singing competition series to begin filming remote episodes for the first time in its history.

The judges to date in the ABC incarnation of the show have been Bryan, Perry, and Richie, as well as host Ryan Seacrest.

On the May 10 episode of “American Idol,” the Top 7 sang two songs apiece: one in honor of Mother’s Day and another from the Disney catalog. Only five of the seven contestants will make it through to Sunday’s finale based on their votes from the public. We asked for your predictions as to which of these finalists will go all the way to win season 18 on May 17.

“American Idol” fans remain divided between two of the artists: Arthur Gunn has 31% of the viewers vote as of this writing and Just Sam is at 21%. Each is up by four points from last week, as they split the support for the four eliminated contestants: Sophia James, Grace Leer, Makayla Phillips and Jovin Webb.

See ‘American Idol’ Winners: Where Are They Now (Seasons 1 – 17)?

Of the other five contenders for the season 18 title, only three enjoy double digit support: Jonny West (14%), Dillon James...

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, “American Idol” had to understandably scrap some of its plans for Season 18. Since the finale of the long-running reality TV show isn’t airing live coast-to-coast as it has the past two seasons, when Maddie Poppe (2018) and Laine Hardy (2019) prevailed, viewers on the West Coast won’t be able to vote for the winner after watching the performances on their television screens. By the time the season finale airs in the western part of the country, the winner will have already been crowned by fans in the east. Have no fear, West Coast viewers: ABC has provided Gold Derby with an infographic (see below) to explain how You can still vote for your favorite finalist in real time.

The two-hour final episode will be presented remotely from the homes of the quarantined finalists, judges and host (Ryan Seacrest) at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May...

The 18th season finale of “American Idol” — and its third on ABC — will be done as a live remote for the first time ever starting at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on Sunday, May 17. Despite having to deal with piecing together a show with performers from countless locales because of the coronavirus epidemic, the show will feature past “Idol” winners and fan favorites as well as actress-singer Cynthia Erivo, the country band Rascal Flatts and more.

However, important business will come first as the Top 7 contenders — Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Francisco Martin, Jonny West, Julia Gargano, Just Sam and Louis Knight — shrink to the Top 5. Once that is announced, the quintet of hopefuls will each perform two songs, one to celebrate being in the Top 5 and another tune that they sang previously.

See‘American Idol’ recap: Top 11 become Top 7 on Night 15 of Season 18

Before the real-time vote commences, Lionel Richie will perform “We Are the World,...