Image via ABC
Published Apr 6, 2026, 2:53 PM EDT
Lorianne Palinkas has been a reality television writer for Screen Rant for four years. After teaching middle school English for twenty years, she knows a thing or two about high drama, complicated alliances, and even singing competitions. Growing up in New York City gave her a solid foundation in the arts and culture.
WARNING! THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS ABOUT AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 24!American Idol season 24 will continue its annual tradition and celebrate Disney Night in an upcoming episode. American Idol season 24 welcomed back host Ryan Seacrest, along with judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. So far, the show has presented viewers with auditions, Hollywood Week in Nashville, the Hawaii Rounds, Songs of Faith Night, and the upcoming Judges' Song Contest.
On March 30, American Idol season 24 Songs of Faith Night had a shocking ending when the results of the elimination were delayed until the following week because social media voting made it impossible for the show to tally the correct number of votes by the conclusion of the episode. That result will air at the beginning of the '90s-themed Judges' Song Contest, which will then feature the Top 12 contestants performing songs chosen by Lionel, Carrie, and Luke for America's Vote.
The American Idol season 24 Top 14 contestants include Braden Rumfelt, Brooks, Chris Tungseth, Daniel Stallworth, Hannah Harper, Jake Thistle, Jesse Findling, Jordan McCullough, Julián Kalel, Keyla Richardson, Kyndal, Lucas Leon, Philmon Lee, and Rae. However, not all of them will make it to Disney Night, which airs on April 20.
What To Expect From American Idol Season 24 Disney Night
Image via ABCAccording to The Futon Critic, Disney Night will air on April 20, following the April 13 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night episode, during which the Top 11 will perform songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. It's probable that two more contestants will be eliminated on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night, so Disney Night will most likely feature the Top 9 finalists.
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American Idol season 24 Disney Night has always been a spectacular celebration of all things Disney. Disney Night began in season 16 when the show was revived by ABC in 2018 after its 2016 FOX cancellation because Disney is the parent company of ABC. Through the years, the episode has become a beloved American Idol tradition, which features the contestants being guided in Disneyland by a superstar mentor. They then sing iconic songs from classic Disney movies.
Past Disney Night mentors include Idina Menzel (season 16), Rebel Wilson (season 17), John Stamos (season 19), Derek Hough (season 20), Sofia Carson (season 21), Kane Brown (season 22), and Lin-Manuel Miranda (season 23). There was no mentor in season 18's Disney Night due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, Carrie will most likely dress as some iconic Disney characters as she did in her debut season when she wore costumes that depicted Rapunzel from Tangled and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. She was following in the footsteps of former judge Katy Perry who dressed as Snow White (season 16), Ursula the Sea Witch (season 17), Mrs. Jumbo (season 18), Tinker Bell (season 19), Ariel (season 20), Elastigirl (season 21), and Cinderella (season 22).
American Idol Season 24's Finale Is In May
After Disney Night, American Idol season 24 will have just three episodes left, airing on April 27, May 4, and May 11, which is the finale. In an interview with Billboard, executive producer and showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed that one of those nights will have a university theme and will honor the 20th anniversary of season 5, which created many superstars including winner Taylor Hicks, runner-up Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Kellie Pickler, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Paris Bennett, and the late Mandisa. In addition, Megan teased that the American Idol season 24 finale will have a special surprise mentor.
American Idol Disney Night has always been a magical episode, and it transforms the studio into the Happiest Place on Earth. Fans won't have to wait much longer for American Idol to once again become Disneyfied. It's going to be thrilling to see which songs the finalists choose, who the mentor is, and which characters Carrie will dress as. With all of the incredible talent this season, American Idol season 24 Disney Night just might be the best one yet.
American Idol airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Sources: The Futon Critic, Billboard
Release Date 2002 - 2016-00-00
Showrunner Nigel Lythgoe
Franchise(s) American Idol
English (US) ·