How to Vote on 'American Idol' 2026: Online, Text and Social Media Voting Guide

Paulette CohnTue, March 17, 2026 at 1:53 AM UTC

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(Disney/Connie Chornuk)

The voting has been turned over to America on American Idol. So to make sure your voice is heard, here are the three ways to vote for your favorite to make it through to the finale. Here is how to cast your ballot at either AmericanIdol.com/Vote, via text, or on social media. You can vote 10 times per voting method for a total of 50 votes for your favorite if you use all the methods below.

How to vote for the American Idol winner for 2026

You have three options in the American Idol voting system this year: AmericanIdol.com/vote, via text, or on social media.

You have to be at least 16 years old and located in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to vote on ABC.com and at least 18 years old and located in the U.S. to vote on social.

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When can I vote for American Idol?

Voting for American Idol begins Monday, March 16, 2026. Voting opens at the beginning of the East Coast broadcast at approximately 8 p.m. ET/ 5p.m. PT and closes at 6 a.m. ET/.3 a.m. PT. the next morning. Voting continues on Monday, March 23rd at the beginning of the East Coast broadcast at approximately 8pm ET/5pm PT and locks at 6am ET/3am PT on March 24th. Check AmericanIdol.com/vote to find out when to vote each week for the rest of the season.

Related: American Idol 2026 Results Last Night: Who Went Home and Who Made the Top 20?

How often can I vote for American Idol?

There is a limit of 10 votes per contestant per method each episode for a total of 50 across all voting methods.

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How to vote at AmericanIdol.com/vote

Go to AmericanIdol.com/vote and register. Then you simply sign in and click on the artist you wish to vote for and assign that artist the number of votes you wish to cast. Then click the Save button. This voting method allows up to 10 votes per contestant. Don’t forget to save when entering or updating your votes!

How to vote using American Idol Social Media

For the first time in Idol history, you can vote on social media. Head to @AmericanIdol on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. In the official pinned social media post, comment with the name of the hopeful you are voting for.

You can write one name per comment. It equals one vote. You can vote 10 times per voting method. Only the first finalist named in your comment will receive your vote. You must comment additional times (up to 10 per finalist) to cast multiple votes. You must be at least 18 years old and located in the U.S. to vote on social media platforms.

American Idol text votes

For American Idol text votes, simply text the voting numbers of the contestant you would like to vote for to “21523”. The voting number for each contestant will displayed during each night's performances. Message and data rates may apply.

Makiyah Text 1 to 21523

Jake Thistle Text 2 to 21523

Genevieve Heyward Text 3 to 21523

Daniel Stallworth Text 4 to 21523

Kyndal Text 5 to 21523

Kutter Bradley Text 6 to 21523

Jesse Findling Text 7 to 21523

Hannah Harper Text 8 to 21523

Braden Rumfelt Text 9 to 21523

Brooks Text 10 to 21523

American Idol airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Next, American Idol Returns in 2026 with Three Game-Changing Shake-Ups

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”