The Real Reason Why ‘American Idol’ Isn’t On Tonight

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Ryan Seacrest from "American Idol"

It’s only three weeks into American Idol’s 2024 season and already ABC’s singing competition is being preempted tonight—but it’s for an excellent reason: The 96th Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, will be televised live tonight from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

One similarity between the Oscars and American Idol is they both have live musical performances. Tonight’s Oscars will include performances of this year’s nominated songs by Jon Batiste, Becky G, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, Scott George and the Osage Singers, and Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson.

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Here's the list:

“The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot: Becky G

“I’m Just Ken” from Barbie: Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson

“It Never Went Away” from American Symphony: Jon Batiste

“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon: Scott George and the Osage Singers

“What Was I Made For?” from Barbie: Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

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American Idol judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will return on Sunday, March 17 as they continue taking viewers on a walk down memory lane to where their own dreams began with trips to their hometowns—Leesburg, Ga. (Luke), Santa Barbara, Calif. (Katy), and Tuskegee, Ala. (Lionel)—bringing heart, laughter and antics to another round of auditions in their search for the next singing sensation.

American Idol airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, streaming next day on Hulu. The first three episodes of American Idol Season 7 on ABC are currently streaming on Hulu.

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