ABC Announces 'American Idol' Judges, Host & Audition Dates
American Idol has been picked up for its seventh season on ABC and the singing reality series is currently accepting submissions for auditions. Today ABC revealed that judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will be returning, as will host Ryan Seacrest.
Parade recently spoke exclusively to Luke for the announcement of his Farm Tour and he did speak about Idol, encouraging people to audition.
“I think the beauty of American Idol is it’s very, very driven by the talent of the kids,” he says. “It’s very important for the producers of the show and the people behind the scenes and the kids all across the country to really logon and audition and get in front of us.
“With Idol, we’ve tried to do new, fun things. I think we’ve always grown, putting new little twists on the show. The judges’ song challenge wasn’t in the show a couple years ago and that’s a fun night for us as judges.”
Here's everything we know about American Idol to date:
When does American Idol start?
American Idol will return for its seventh season on ABC (season 22 overall) in early 2024. Season 6 premiered on Feb. 19, 2023.
When is American Idol on?
American Idol will return to its regular slot at 8 p.m. ET Sunday nights on ABC.
Who are the American Idol judges in 2024?
ABC/Gavin Bond
ABC/Gavin Bond
ABC/Gavin Bond
Who is the host of American Idol?
ABC/Gavin Bond
American Idol wouldn’t be American Idol without Ryan Seacrest as host. He’s the only original cast member remaining.
Who will be the mentor for the American Idol contestants in 2024?
That has yet to be revealed.
Is there an American Idol 2024 trailer?
Auditions are just about to begin at this point in time, so not yet.
How do I audition for American Idol?
American Idol is currently looking for the next singing superstar! If you will be at least 15 years old by Feb. 15, 2024, and believe you have what it takes, check out the "Idol Across America" virtual audition tour.
Auditions kick off Wednesday, Aug. 2, with the return of “Idol Across America.” Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge audition round of the competition. Beginning with the First 700 event, where hopefuls can sign up to grab a VIP spot before anyone else, contenders will also be given the opportunity to audition under their genre for the first time in “IAA” history. Auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.
“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change.) Additional fall dates will be announced at a later time:
First 700 VIP Event (Aug 2)
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Aug 4)
Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug 7)
Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug 9)
Open Call: Singer-Songwriters (Aug 11)
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Aug 14)
Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi ( Aug 16)
Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire (Aug 18)
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Aug 21)
Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Aug 23)
Open Call: Country & Rock (Aug 25)
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Aug 28)
The South: Open Call Pt. 1 (Aug 30)
Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Washington D.C. , Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts (Sep 6)
Open Call: Pop, R&B & Soul (Sep 8)
Related: And the Winner of American Idol 2023 Is...
Who won American Idol 2023?
ABC/Eric McCandless
Eighteen-year-old Iam Tongi, who currently lives in Seattle, Wash., but was born in Hawaii, became the first Pacific Islander to win American Idol. During his time on the singing competition, Iam performed "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "Stuck on You" by Lionel Richie, "The Sound Of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt, “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie, “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA, and he auditioned with “Monsters” by James Blunt. He managed to make them all his and to win over the judges and the audience.
As to Iam's upcoming career success, Luke comments, "I think it’s all about the songs that he puts out. Obviously, he’ll probably always have a very islandy, Hawaiian theme to it. I think people want great music and I think it’d be too early to box him in. We’ve got to give him a little time and let him really grow into being a true, true artist. I think he’s going to do a great job. He’s certainly touched a lot of people and got a lot of people fired up."
Luke Bryan on Defending Katy Perry from Social Media Attacks for Her Remarks Last Season on American Idol
“I made a little headline by defending a lot of that,” he says. “Lionel, Katy and I, we have cameras in our face 12 hours a day. Like I’ve said before, I think people can twist and judge what actually went down and why it went down, but I think the American public and the viewers have to trust that me, Lionel and Katy are always coming from a good heart, having fun, and making a fun show for everybody to really enjoy and consume as a family.
“I think anytime you’re judging people, you have to be on your Ps and Qs. We’ll always try to blend the judging and try to always do it with the utmost respect for the contestants.”
Related: Luke Bryan Defends Katy Perry Against the American Idol Haters
When did American Idol begin?
The reality singing series premiered in 2002 on FOX. In 2016, after several seasons of declining ratings, FOX canceled the series. Then, on March 11, 2018, a revival of the series began airing on ABC.
How do you vote for American Idol?
Fans of American Idol who are at least 13 and reside in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, can vote online at AmericanIdol.com/vote, in the American Idol app, or via text once the live shows begin, but prior to that, it is up to the judges.
How to watch American Idol on TV and online
Once it begins airing, tune into the competition on ABC, or stream on ABC.com or the ABC app after signing in with your TV service provider.
How to stream American Idol
American Idol can be streamed live with an on-demand ABC subscription or watch it the next day on Hulu.
Is American Idol on Netflix?
Unfortunately not. But it is on Hulu!
What time is American Idol on?
American Idol is on Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET.
What channel is American Idol on?
American Idol has aired on ABC since March 2018. The series originally aired on FOX from 2002-2016. If you miss the original airing, check it out on Hulu the next day.
Next, ABC Picks Up American Idol, The Bachelor and More for Fall 2023-2024