The fan favorite reality singing competition American Idol is gearing up for another widely anticipated return, and it's time to let fans know what they should expect from the new installment. Season 20 was unusual, as it was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 20th installment of the show saw a return to virtual auditions, and the eventual crowning of a country singer, Noah Thompson, who won the season. With the ABC series' season 21 on the horizon, here is a breakdown of all the important information.
In 2021, show producers opted for virtual auditions due to COVID-19, and that American Idol audition format is still in place for the new season. Remote auditions were held all over the country, and kicked off on August 3, with the first 500 contestants vying for spots on the show. Tryouts continued throughout August, with the last audition occurring on the 31st, for contestants from Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Aspiring singers can also send in online auditions, as per ABC. According to Deseret News, additional open call dates for new American Idol contestants started on September 7, for contestants from the South. East Coast contestants auditioned on September 9, while those in the West and Midwest tried out on September 12. Nationwide calls started on September 14, and are ongoing.
American Idol Season 21 - Changes To Expect
With the show's new season slated to premiere in 2023, during the spring, show producers have announced their decision not to return to the original golden tickets. They are keeping the platinum tickets that debuted in season 20, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the show. Also, in-house mentor Bobby Bones, absent in season 20, due to scheduling conflicts with another show, won't be returning for the new season. He has been replaced by executive producer, Megan Wolflick. Furthermore, according to the production company, American Idol season 21 will see the return of Idol alums, to help the contestants get through various stages of the competition.
Meanwhile, there are no changes to the judging panel for the new season, with fan favorites Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie expected to assess the contestants. Ryan Seacrest will keep his position as the series' host. With season 20, American Idol continued its tremendous success on TV. It ranked as the number one show among adults aged 18 to 49, in its two-hour time slot, for the third consecutive year. It finished among the top 3 unscripted series, in terms of total viewers. That season introduced fans to many great AI singers, including HunterGirl. With the new season months away, fans of the reality singing competition can watch full episodes of past seasons at Hulu.
Sources: Deseret News, ABC