ABC’s sudden schedule shake-up has left fans asking one big question: will American Idol start airing twice a week as the competition heats up toward the Top 12?

The speculation comes after the network made the unexpected decision to cancel the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, which was originally set to premiere on Sunday, March 22. The season, led by Taylor Frankie Paul, was pulled just days before its debut following the resurfacing of a 2023 domestic violence incident involving her and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

According to ABC, the decision was made “in light of the newly released video,” with the network stating its focus is now on supporting the family. The controversy stems from footage showing Paul throwing objects during an altercation, with a child reportedly present. The incident had previously led to misdemeanor charges, including assault and domestic violence in the presence of a minor.

American Idol steps in but is it temporary?

With The Bachelorette no longer airing, ABC quickly filled the vacant Sunday slot with a rerun of American Idol, specifically the March 16 episode featuring guest mentors Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley. The rerun aired from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., signaling that the network is willing to lean on Idol to stabilize its primetime lineup.

At the moment, this appears to be a short-term solution, but it opens the door to a bigger possibility: a return to Idol’s classic two-night weekly format.

Could Idol return to two nights a week?

While ABC has not officially confirmed a permanent schedule change, the timing is notable. The competition is about to enter its most crucial phase, with:

• Top 20 performances wrapping up on March 23
• First live show set for March 30
• Top 14 revealed at the start of that live episode
• Top 12 announced by the end of the night

With live voting beginning, a second weekly episode, especially on Sundays—could allow for separate performance and results nights, a format longtime fans will remember from earlier seasons.

Adding to the momentum, ABC has already confirmed that the “Songs of Faith” theme night will air on March 30, marking a major turning point in the season. The episode will run for two hours and feature contestants performing inspiring, faith-driven songs, as the field narrows and pressure intensifies. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan are expected to guide contestants through one of the most emotional nights of the season.

What ABC has (and hasn’t) said

So far, ABC has not confirmed whether American Idol will officially take over Sunday nights long-term. However, with a major gap in its schedule and the show entering its live rounds, the possibility remains strong.

For now, fans can expect:

• A temporary Sunday rerun already in place
• Regular Monday episodes continuing as scheduled
• A high-stakes live show on March 30 that will cut the competition to the Top 12

While nothing is set in stone yet, all signs point to American Idol potentially expanding its presence as the competition reaches its peak. With an open primetime slot and growing viewer interest, bringing back a two-night format could be the next logical move, especially as millions tune in to see who makes it into the Top 12.