Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry Return To ‘American Idol’ To Begin Filming ‘Historic’ New Season

The milestone Season 20 of American Idol is officially underway! Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, along with…

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Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

October 7, 2021

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8:23 am

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Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Ryan Seacrest; Photo Courtesy American Idol

The milestone Season 20 of American Idol is officially underway!

Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, along with longtime host, Ryan Seacrest, are “back at it” as filming for the highly anticipated new season began in Austin, Texas this week.

Idol shared the exciting news on social media, along with a photo of the beloved cast members.

Bryan also shared the news via Instagram, telling fans, “We can’t wait to put together this historic 20th season of the show and our 5th season as judges.”

The news comes after ABC confirmed that Bryan, Richie, Perry and Seacrest would be returning to the show with an announcement on Good Morning America in early August.

“Luke, Katy, Lionel and Ryan are music and industry icons that have become synonymous with ‘Idol’ on ABC,” said Rob Mills, executive vice president, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “Their star power is unmatched, and their support is a gift to our contestants that have deeply benefited from their wisdom over the past four seasons—and they’re ready to do it again. As we begin a momentous season, I think it’s safe to say this dream team has officially cemented their legacy on ‘Idol.’”

“’American Idol’ is still the original music show that genuinely creates superstars and continues to evolve to allow true artists to succeed in this unique business,” added executive producer and showrunner Megan Wolflick. “The chemistry and passion Katy, Luke, Lionel and Ryan bring is second to none. We couldn’t be more ecstatic that they are returning for this iconic 20th season in search of the freshest new talent that this nation has to offer.”

Those interested in auditioning for American Idol can click HERE for details.

The upcoming season marks the show’s 20th season overall and fifth at ABC.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.