American Idol returns on Sunday, February 27 for its historic 20th season.
The new season promises to wow audiences and contestants with “never-before-seen” twists as they hunt for America’s next singing sensation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the much-anticipated new season of American Idol.
How and Where To Watch
American Idol airs on Sundays at 8/7c on ABC.
Episodes will be available to watch on demand and on Hulu one day after the premiere.
Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie Return As Judges
Bryan, Perry and Richie will return for the fifth consecutive season as judges. Through the years, the judges have grown closer as friends and co-workers.
“But over the years now, we trust each other to the point of we kind of know what we’re thinking, where we’re going with this,” Richie shared via Showbiz Cheat Sheet. “And then we’re finding talent where we can challenge ourselves because we now play with, ‘That was great for last year but not great for this year. Bump it up a little bit; keep it going.”
Ryan Seacrest Remains The Show’s Host
For the 20th consecutive season, Seacrest will host American Idol.
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Jimmie Allen & Bebe Rexha Join Show After Bobby Bones Exit
With Bones out, American Idol revealed that Jimmie Allen and Bebe Rexha will join the show as visiting mentors for the Top 24.
“I cannot wait for you guys to see the talent we have in store for you,” Allen previously shared.
“Excited to announce that I’ll be a visitor mentor on @americanidol for the enduring twentieth season!” Rexha added.
Auditions Took Place In Three Cities
Hosted in Nashville, Texas and Los Angeles, Idol judges use the audition round to search for “America’s next singing sensation.”
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Producers Introduce New Way To Advance To Hollywood, The Platinum Ticket
The newly introduced Platinum ticket ranks higher than the traditional golden ticket to Hollywood. There are only nine Platinum tickets given out during auditions. The ticket allows the contestant to advance and surpass the first week of Hollywood.
“This ticket gives them the ability to go to Hollywood Week, which we’ve already filmed and was so rigorous and survival of the fittest, and they get to basically observe from the box seats at the theater,” Katy Perry explained. “One day, they get to rest their voice, strategize, check out the competition and select who they want to duet with.”
