Ryan announced the audition cities for American Idol 14 by noting that all three of the judges hometowns would be represented. For a second, it felt like he was hinting that Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. were planning to return next season.
But it’s probably just a coincidence.
Here’s the official audition city announcement from FOX. There will be MORE information when the FOX upfronts take place in New York City on Monday. There’s a conference call scheduled for the morning with FOX chief, Kevin Reilly, and other executives. More will be revealed next week!
They are really emphasizing that bus tour. Fifteen cities? But only five in major cities with the judges. Just one way to cut the budget next year. Another way would be to ditch Jlo. But we’ll see.
Also, Idol Pad is reporting an audition eligibility twist. For the first time ever, only the TOP 10 FINALISTS will be ineligible to audition again. Non touring finalists, Ben Briley, Emily Piriz and Kristen O’Connor are welcome to give Idol another shot, as will any other season 13 semi-finalist or auditioner who meets the other (e.g. age) eligibility requirements.
UPDATE: These sorts of eligibility changes are NEVER retroactive! The rule change ONLY affects SEASON 13 CONTESTANTS.
FOX press release announcing audition cities below:
“AMERICAN IDOL XIV” ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS IN 15 CITIES ACROSS AMERICA
AUDITIONS KICK OFF IN MINNEAPOLIS ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
Auditions Continue This Summer in New Orleans, LA; Uniondale, NY; Nashville, TN; and San Francisco, CA
AMERICAN IDOL begins its 14th season nationwide search for the best undiscovered talent in the country in Minneapolis, MN, on Wednesday, June 18. The search for the next singing superstar continues in New Orleans, on Wednesday, June 25; Uniondale, NY, on Wednesday, July 23; Nashville, TN, on Wednesday, July 30; and San Francisco, CA, on Monday, Sept. 29. Some of the biggest names in the music industry have started on the IDOL stage and there now are more ways to audition!
Once again, auditioners can submit online at www.americanidol.com beginning today through Tuesday, July 1, 2014, and later this year, AMERICAN IDOL XIV will be headed out on the annual “AMERICAN IDOL Audition Bus Tour.” Cities to be visited include Portland, OR; Portland, ME; Reno, NV; Columbus, OH; Albuquerque, NM; Amarillo, TX; Myrtle Beach, SC; Branson, MO; Tallahassee, FL; Richmond, VA and Kansas City, MO. More details to be announced.
AMERICAN IDOL XIV auditions will be held as follows:
Cities
Minneapolis, MN Wednesday, June 18 Mariucci Arena, University of Minnesota
New Orleans, LA Wednesday, June 25 Lakefront Arena, University of New Orleans
Uniondale, NY Wednesday, July 23 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Nashville, TN Wednesday, July 30 Nashville Municipal Auditorium
San Francisco , CA Monday, September 29 Cow Palace San Francisco
Full details regarding the Minneapolis auditions are below. Specific information on the subsequent audition cities will be announced shortly.
Minneapolis AMERICAN IDOL XIV Audition Information
WHO: Men and women 15-28 years old as of June 1, 2014, who are eligible to work in the U.S. Some restrictions apply – please visit americanidol.com for specific information.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 18
WHERE: Mariucci Arena, University of Minnesota
1901 4th St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
HOW: The line to audition opens at 6:00 AM. Please note that auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Wristbands and tickets are required for auditions. Distribution of wristbands and tickets will begin at approximately 7:00 AM and distribution will end at approximately 6:00 PM.
Audition information, including forms and requirements, will be available online at americanidol.com.
