American Idol Hollywood Week is happening now. The show’s official social media has been cagey about it, but considering that mentor Bobby Bones is in Los Angeles right now, host Ryan Seacrest is currently absent from his talk show, Live with Kelly & Ryan, and judge Katy Perry showed off a new hairdo recently, it’s a pretty fair bet that the round is happening now. Also, Idol fans have spotted hopefuls arriving in Los Angeles last week.
An interesting tidbit I just learned: The governor of California declared TV and movie employees essential workers. That means, no matter how bad the pandemic gets–and it is pretty bad right now–film production will NOT shut down. However, it is important for productions to follow strict COVID-19 protocols to the letter. The state could close a production that operates sloppily. But still, it’s ironic that the pandemic is much worse than last spring, when shows shut down and then taped 100% remotely. The difference between April and December, of course, is that the industry developed best practices to keep everybody safe.
Unlike past seasons, American Idol is taping the show entirely in California. The OG singing show is known for auditioning singers where they are, all across the country. But instead, production held auditions in seperate locations in California, including Los Angeles and San Diego.
While there isn’t much news coming out of Hollywood, I’m guessing there are fewer contestants competing. In the past, 200+ singers would converge on the city, with only 30-50 lasting through the end of the round. Also, other than chaperones for the underage kiddos (Hi Kellyanne Conway?) the audience is empty. Also, fewer crew members and staff as well. Spoilers may be harder to come by this season, but we’ll see!
American Idol 2021 premieres on Sunday February 14 on ABC.
Check out Instagram photos from the cast.
Bobby Bones is definitely on set! In an interview with Blake Shelton last week, Bobby said he hadn’t been getting much sleep while shooting (a couple of TV shows).
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Lionel Richie walking into Hollywood Week
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I see that blue logo peeking out, Ryan Seacrest!
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KATY PERRY HAS A NEW LEWK
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Hijinks in the Green Room with Luke Bryan
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I have NO IDEA what’s going on here, Lionel Richie
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