American Idol 2019 Hollywood Week Kicks Off in Los Angeles

Hey kids. Guess what! American Idol’s 2019 edition of Hollywood Week has kicked off at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. ABC calls it Season 2. But pshaw! The real Season 2 featured Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken and happened in the early aughts. We fans know it’s American Idol Season 17.

Taken a bit off guard by the timing? Last season Hollywood happened in January. But I’m sure the scheduling has everything to do with the availability of the judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Also, host Ryan Seacrest and his dozens of jobs need to be taken into consideration!

The contestants heading to Hollywood were picked during the judges auditions which took place in October and November. The round kicked off in Denver early October, moved on to Northern Idaho a week later, and continued in the city of Louisville soon after. October closed with the judges heading to New York City where they auditioned hopefuls and appeared on Live with Kelly & Ryan. The Judges Auditions officially concluded early November in Los Angeles.

Additionally, three singers plucked from a slew of Instagram auditions, taped performances for a shot at competing in Hollywood. The clips were voted on during the CMA awards last month. Reigning American Idol winner Maddie Poppe announced the winner, Meghan Woods, on Good Morning America.

Who will show up in Hollywood? Season 16 contestant Laine Hardy and Season 15 singer Thomas Stringfellow auditioned in front of the judges. Surely there will be some familiar faces among the Hollywood hopefuls.

As always…stay tuned for SPOILERS!