As of July 2026, American Idol Season 3 aired in 2020 with 16 episodes — streaming now on Hulu. Full episode guide and where to watch below.
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American Idol Season 3

2020 16 Episodes Reality ⭐ 7/10

Right now you can watch American Idol Season 3 on — and it is more addictive than the premise lets on. The show says what it needs to say in a single season, no filler. With 31 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Watch it for the format — it delivers exactly what it promises. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, American Idol Season 3 earns its spot. American Idol Season 3 understands that the format only works if the people in it feel real. Season 3 of American Idol includes 16 episodes. It aired from February 2020 to May 2020. This season stars Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. Ryan Seacrest and Lionel Richie lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 2020. American Idol Season 3 understands the difference between manufactured drama and the real thing, and leans on the latter. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Best watched with company, American Idol Season 3 generates takes from everyone in the room. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch if your schedule allows. The format has been copied endlessly since American Idol Season 3 first appeared, which is the most honest tribute the industry knows how to give. Impossible to watch casually.

📡 Where to Watch American Idol Season 3

🇺🇸 United States
Hulu Hulu
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🎬 American Idol Season 3 — Episode Guide

E1
Auditions (1)
2020-02-16
Hopefuls perform for the judges in Savannah, Ga.; Milwuakee, Wis.; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles; including a subway performer from Harlem, N.Y., a garbage collector and a hopeless romantic who encounters her own fairy-tale twist.
E2
Auditions (2)
2020-02-23
Aspiring singers from Savannah, Ga., Milwaukee, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Sunriver, Ore. perform in hopes of earning a ticket to Hollywood.
E3
Auditions (3)
2020-03-01
This week’s episode sees a determined hopeful defy the odds for a chance to audition in front of the judges, resulting in an “American Idol” first. Then, a fan favorite from season one returns for another chance to wow the judges, while another hopeful’s great-grandmother fulfills her lifelong dream...
E4
Auditions (4)
2020-03-08
Idol heads to Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR as the search for America’s next superstar continues.
E5
Auditions (5)
2020-03-16
Auditions across Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR come to an end with the final search for America’s next superstar.
E6
Hollywood Week - Genre Challenge
2020-03-16
Contestants head to Hollywood to perform a song in a genre of their choice.
E7
Hollywood Week - Duets
2020-03-22
The contestants pick just one partner for a duet group round. One pair’s tensions run high as they can’t agree on a song. Sparks fly with another pair.
E8
Hollywood Week - Solos
2020-03-23
Hollywood Week wraps up with with solo performances. One contestant experiences an unprecedented medical emergency. Will one couple’s love survive the latest elimination?
E9
Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment (1)
2020-03-29
The Top 40 contestants go to Hawaii to soak up the sun and sing to impress the judges in a concert on the beach before awaiting their Final Judgement for a spot in the coveted Top 20.
E10
Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment (2)
2020-04-05
The Top 40 contestants perform in a concert before awaiting their final judgment for a spot in the coveted top 20. Watch a shocking first-ever twist in the show’s history for two contestants.
E11
This Is Me (1)
2020-04-13
A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.
E12
This Is Me (2)
2020-04-20
A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.
E13
On with the Show: Top 20 Sing for Your Vote
2020-04-26
The top 20 perform remotely for a spot in the top 10.
E14
On with the Show: Homeward Bound
2020-05-03
Find out who America voted into the Top 10 and whether or not judges choose to use their only save of the season.
E15
On with the Show: Disney / Mother's Day
2020-05-10
In the hybrid Disney and Mother’s Day show, the remaining finalists will perform two songs each; one from the renowned Disney songbook and the second dedicated to the mother figures in their lives as a Mother’s Day tribute. Season two winner, Laine Hardy, returns to perform “Life is a Highway” and s...
E16
On with the Show: Grand Finale
2020-05-17

🎭 Cast of American Idol Season 3

Ryan Seacrest
Ryan Seacrest
Self - Host
 Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie
Self - Judge
 Katy Perry
Katy Perry
Self - Judge
 Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan
Self - Judge
 Bobby Bones
Bobby Bones
Self - Mentor

📋 All Seasons of American Idol

Season 1Season 2Season 4Season 5Season 6Season 7Season 8Season 9

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