<P> Fox announced on May 11, 2015 that the fifteenth season would be the final season of American Idol; as such, the season was expected to have an additional focus on the program's alumni . Ryan Seacrest returned as host, with Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, and Jennifer Lopez all returning as judges . The season was shortened by four weeks compared to previous years . During the finale episode, President Barack Obama praised the millions of young people that voted for contestants and pitched that they vote in the upcoming election . The farewell season concluded on April 7, 2016 . Seacrest signed off by saying: "And one more time--this is so tough--we say to you from Hollywood, goodnight America", and then he added, "for now ." </P> <P> Trent Harmon won the season against runner - up La'Porsha Renae . Harmon released "Falling" co-written by Keith Urban as his coronation song . Renae's "Battles", third - place finisher Dalton Rapattoni's "Strike A Match" and fourth - place finisher MacKenzie Bourg's "Roses" were also released as singles . </P> <P> In early 2017, Variety reported that Fremantle Media was in talks to revive the show for NBC or for its original network, Fox . A dispute between Fremantle and Core Media Group derailed these plans . Then, in May 2017, it was announced that ABC was making a bid to revive the program . Later, ABC announced that it had acquired the rights to the series, and that American Idol would return for the 2017--18 television season . On May 16, Katy Perry was the first judge to be announced by ABC . On July 20, 2017, it was announced on Live with Kelly and Ryan, that Ryan Seacrest would be returning as the host for the revival season . On September 24, 2017, Luke Bryan was the second judge to be announced for the revival season . On September 29, 2017, Lionel Richie was the third and final judge to be announced . On November 6, 2017, it was announced that the revival season would premiere on March 11, 2018 . </P> <P> Idol Gives Back was a special charity event started in season six featuring performances by celebrities and various fund - raising initiatives . This event was also held in seasons seven and nine and has raised nearly $185 million in total . </P>

Who are the present judges on american idol