Toward that goal, “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar will kick off Aug. 6, and then throughout the month, auditions will “visit” all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Hopefuls can sign up for the first round of auditions for a chance at making Idol history and being crowned the next winner of American Idol as the show gets ready to premiere season 5 on ABC and celebrate its historic 20th season for the franchise overall. Virtual auditions will give hopefuls the chance to showcase their talents from anywhere in the United States, across any official audition date, face-to-face with an American Idol producer who will provide real-time feedback to all auditioning. And for those who are successful, they will be performing in front of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie for season 5 on ABC as it was just announced today that all three judges, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, will be returning for the next season. “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.” And executive producer and showrunner Megan Wolflick added, “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. 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.”
List of cities and dates for American Idol Season 5 on ABC’s auditions
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Aug. 6) Connecticut, New Jersey, New York (Aug. 8) Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 11) Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug. 13) Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 16) Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee (Aug. 18) Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada (Aug. 21) Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming (Aug. 23) Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Aug. 25) Open Call: Nationwide (Aug. 27) Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah (Aug. 31) Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont (Sept. 2) Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 8) Open Call: The South (Sept. 10) Open Call: East Coast (Sept. 13) Open Call: West Coast (Sept. 16) Open Call: Nationwide (Sept. 21) For more information on “Idol Across America” auditions, please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions. Next, Everything You Need to Know About American Idol in 2021
