I just love a dynamic finale that keeps everyone guessing who’s going to win,” “Idol” showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick recently told TVLine. “In the case of other seasons, there might be more of a clear frontrunner,

American Idol will be back for a ninth season on ABC. It will mark the 24th year overall for the competition series.

Host Ryan Seacrest said there were 26 million votes cast, which broke a record and was twice as many as for last year's finale.