The battle for the crown is officially on. As American Idol’s 2025 season inches closer to its grand finale, fans across the country are rallying behind their favorites. With the top 5 contestants now center stage, every vote counts — and viewers have up to 30 chances to make their voices heard every week.
This year’s season has been full of surprises — from a fresh new judging panel to an innovative residency twist. But with just weeks to go before one name joins the Idol legacy, it’s the fans who hold the power to shape the ending. Here’s how it all works and what makes this season one of the most exciting yet.
A New Look, Familiar Stage
Carrie Underwood, once an Idol winner herself, made headlines earlier this year by joining the judging panel.
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie returned to their chairs, but Carrie’s addition injected a new spark into the judging dynamic. Her feedback has been direct but warm, often drawing from her own Idol past.
This season also introduced Jelly Roll as the show’s first-ever “Artist in Residence” — a role that gave him space to mentor contestants, share insights, and even perform. That added layer of artistry brought something different to the weekly episodes.
It’s still the same stage, but the rhythm feels fresh. And the performances? More competitive than ever.
Voting: Three Ways to Show Your Support
Fans aren’t just spectators anymore — they’re decision-makers, and there are multiple ways to cast those all-important votes:
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Website Voting: Head to the, log in with a free account, and select your favorites. You get 10 votes per contestant this way.
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App Voting: Download the American Idol app via the App Store or Google Play. Once you’re in, create an account and vote directly from your phone.
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Text Voting: No logins, no apps. Just send a text with your favorite’s code to 21523. Easy and fast.
The limit? 10 votes per method, adding up to 30 total votes per voting window.
Voting opens at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on show nights and closes at 6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT the next day. The clock’s ticking, folks.
Who’s Still in the Running?
The final five contestants have not only survived the eliminations — they’ve thrived onstage week after week. And now, they’re just one step away from potentially winning it all.
Here’s who’s still in the spotlight:
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Ché — Text 1 to 21523
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Penny Samar — Text 2 to 21523
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Kolbi Jordan — Text 3 to 21523
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Baylee Littrell — Text 4 to 21523
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Victor Solomon — Text 5 to 21523
Each of them brings something unique — a voice, a story, a moment that connects. And each one’s fan base is mobilizing fast.
Why Voting Matters More Than Ever
This year’s Idol isn’t just a talent show — it’s a fan-powered machine.
There are no judges’ saves left, no industry overrides. It’s public votes from here on out. That means every text, every app tap, every browser click could mean the difference between confetti or cut.
Many longtime viewers say this season feels like a throwback to Idol’s early years, when it was all about the voice — and the people’s choice. And in that sense, there’s a renewed energy in the way fans are engaging.
Weekly Routine, Big Stakes
You don’t need to wait for the finale to get involved.
Every Sunday and Monday night, fans get a front-row seat to performances — and then the lines open. From original songs to soaring covers, the talent has consistently delivered.
It’s become part of viewers’ weekly routine:
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Tune in for the live performances
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Cast your votes before bedtime
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Wake up to results that shake up the board
And that rhythm is only intensifying as the finale nears.
