Couldn't Watch 'American Idol' Live? Here's How to Catch the Finale on Hulu

Spoiler alert: This article contains major spoilers for the Season 23 finale of American Idol.

Another year, another epic conclusion to a brilliant season of American Idol. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the Season 23 finale of ABC's hit singing competition premiered, featuring the Top 3 contestants as they sang their hearts out for one final chance to be crowned the show's winner.

If you missed out on the live broadcast, no worries — the episode will live forever on Hulu (or until the streamer allows)! But when can fans expect it on the streaming service? Here's everything we know about when the American Idol Season 23 finale will be available to stream on Hulu. Plus, stick around to find out which contestant was crowned the winner!

Following the live broadcast, the Season 23 finale of American Idol will be available to stream on Hulu. The streaming service doesn't typically announce when new episodes arrive, but fans can expect the nail-biting conclusion to drop on Monday, May 19. The finale aired on the streamer several hours after it ended on ABC on both the East and West coasts.

Like many ABC-affiliate shows, the American Idol finale tendsThe American Idol finale, like many ABC-affiliate shows, tend to air the following day, so fans of the network and streaming service shouldn't be surprised. However, after a finale like Season 23, it's no surprise that some fans would have extra concerns about when they can see it if they missed it live.

The Season 23 finale of American Idol included the final three: John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts. They showed America one last time why they should be crowned the new winner.

According to Deadline, John performed Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Breanna sang Katy Nichole’s “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” and Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb," while Jamal went for Teeks’ “First Time” and the Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).” After their performances, Breanna was put in third place, leaving John and Jamal in the Top 2.

By the end of the night, Jamal was crowned the night's winner, which meant that John took second place in the competition. Host Ryan Seacrest revealed the Season 23 finale resulted in "the biggest finale vote in ABC Idol history."

Jamal entered American Idol as a 27-year-old PE teacher from Meridian, Mississippi. According to The Cincinnati Inquirer, he discovered his love for singing while growing up in the church singing hymns and other musical covers, crediting his grandparents for discovering his talents early.