As American Idol is about to kick off season 20, host Ryan Seacrest revealed how the show will be different from past seasons. American Idol began its first run on FOX on June 11, 2002. After 15 seasons, the show went on hiatus, and then returned on ABC on March 11, 2018. The first winner, Kelly Clarkson, skyrocketed to superstardom, releasing nine studio albums, winning three Grammy Awards, and even hosting her own Emmy-winning talk show. Since that first season, the show has discovered many other legendary stars such as Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, Adam Lambert, Scotty McCreery, and Lauren Alaina. In the last twenty years, the judges have changed and the methods for auditioning have evolved with advances in technology and social media, but the one constant throughout the two decades has been Ryan Seacrest.
In 2002, Ryan became the co-host of American Idol, along with Brian Dunkleman. In season 2, he became the sole host and a household name as the show became one of the most popular on television. Ryan was known for his calming presence during the auditions, traveling from city to city to support the contestants, and sometimes being the only one waiting outside the audition rooms to congratulate or comfort them, depending on the outcome, if their families could not be there. He has seen the show evolve from a small, experimental series that didn't even have a live band, to a powerhouse producer of amazing talent, attracting some of the biggest names in the music industry as judges and guest acts. The season 20 judges are once again Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, who have been on the panel since the show was revived.
In an interview with Parade, Ryan revealed how season 20 will be different from past seasons. He said that in the first few seasons, "the show looked and felt really different than it does now. Sure, the concept—the foundation—is the same. But look at the evolution of the artists who are auditioning now, and at the style of the show, and it’s a real study of how one show can continue to evolve." When the show first began, the contestants were not allowed to play instruments or perform original music, but that has since changed. Ryan explained that this has lead to more singer-songwriters auditioning for the show, including teenagers. He said, "As we see, more and more contestants are writing their own music, which is great . . . you’ve got to give credit to someone who’s in their teens and who feels they’ve got a strong point of view to put into lyrics to perform in front of people."
Ryan continued by discussing how much the music business has changed since the show began and launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. He said that he still thinks the show can produce superstars, but there are many variables involved, and it has to be the right time. Ryan contrasted contestants of the past with current ones, explaining that, because of social media, singers from the last few seasons came onto the show with a fan base that would not have been possible 20 years ago. This creates less of a learning curve for performing for those artists. He said, "What’s fantastic about music now is that artists who could not have put out music or been exposed to fans can build their listener base and build their fan base from their own bedrooms. We didn’t have that when American Idol started. And I think that’s part of why when we get contestants now, they’re at a certain caliber when they enter the show before they even grow into it." Ryan also explained that there are many people at the auditions who would not have been able to try out without today's technology. In the early seasons, auditions took place at massive events at stadiums around the country, but now people can audition through Zoom. He said, "When we started the show, you really had to pack up and drive, spend gas money and take time off work or school to get to us just to get an audition." Ryan believes that technology has helped to extend the auditions to artists of all genres.
As American Idol turns 20, fans of the show can expect some changes, but the purpose of the show remains the same — to find the best undiscovered talent in America. As the show has evolved from completely in-person try-outs to a combination of face-to-face and Zoom auditions, the talent pool has expanded. Singer-songwriters who play and write their own music have been joining the show, changing its style from the early seasons. After two decades, Ryan has brought stability to an ever-changing show and music scene. No matter how the show evolves, fans will continue to tune in because, "This is American Idol!"
American Idol season 20 premieres on Sunday, February 27, 2022 on ABC.
Source: Parade