Ryan Seacrest welcomes us to “the party of the century.”
It’s time forAmerican Idolto throw that fake ID away.
On Sunday, the long-running competition turns 21 in both years and seasons.

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie celebrate 21 years of ‘American Idol’.ABC
Then again, we don’t come toAmerican Idolfor its subtlety.
You only turn 21 once.)

‘American Idol’ star Katy Perry.ABC/Mark Seliger

‘American Idol’ star Lionel Richie.ABC/Mark Seliger

‘American Idol’ star Luke Bryan.ABC/Mark Seliger

‘American Idol’ host Ryan Seacrest.ABC/Mark Seliger