‘American Idol’: What Is the Judges’ Song Contest? Top 12 Theme, Explained 

The power has shifted to the viewers in Season 24 of American Idol, but judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are still involved in the competition during the Live Shows. In fact, they will have a very important role during the April 6 episode, which is the Judges’ Song Contest theme.

The Judges’ Song Contest was first introduced during Season 20 in 2022. It provides some friendly competition between the celebrity judges, while also allowing them to give some input into what the contestants should perform for viewer votes.

What is the Judges’ Song Contest on American Idol?

In the Judges’ Song Contest, each judge selects a song for the contestants to perform. It is then up to the contestants to decide which song choice they want to go with. Whichever judge has the most songs picked is declared the winner of the contest.

For Season 24, there is a ’90s theme for the contest, which means Underwood, Bryan, and Richie are tasked with selecting songs from the 1990s for the Top 12 contestants.

What does the winner of the Judges’ Song Contest get?

Aside from getting bragging rights, the winner of the Judges’ Song Contest is also able to save one artist from elimination at the end of the episode. If there is a tie, then the judges involved in the tie can confer and make the decision together.

Who won the past Judges’ Song Contests on American Idol?

The first Judges’ Song Contest was a tie between Bryan and Katy Perry. They saved Lady K from elimination, but she was sent home the next week.

For Season 21, Perry was named the Judges’ Song Contest winner. She chose to save Oliver Steele, but he was eliminated one episode later. Perry once again returned as the winner in Season 22, opting to save McKenna Faith Breinholt, who was eliminated the following week.

Season 23’s Judges’ Song Contest was a tie between Bryan and Richie. Their save, Mattie Pruitt, went home the next week.

American Idol, Season 24, Mondays, 8/7c, ABC