The fourth season of American Idol premieres tonight, on Valentines Day. But that’s season 19 to me and you!
Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will be either sending kiddos off to Hollywood, or destroying their dreams with a no. Ryan Seacrest is back as host, and Bobby Bones will once again serve as in-house mentor. But I don’t think he joins the show until Hollywood Week due to scheduling conflicts with his Nat Geo reality show.
Because of the pandemic there will be a few changes. The judges sit far apart at their own separate desks. NO HUGGING ALLOWED. And hopefuls receive family support in a room outfitted with huge virtual screens.
Also, breaking big time from tradition, the American Idol cast and crew could not travel around the country to audition singers. Instead, the artists, who auditioned online, flew out to three California locations–Los Angeles, San Diego and Ojai–to audition. But other than that, the set and proceedings remain the same. Except for a few twists, maybe!
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Before tonight’s premiere, which airs on ABC at 8 pm ET/PT. Check out a few Valentines messages from the cast.
Katy got her Katy Kats some Chocolates but then…whoops
You're so sweet…like all this chocolate I ate ? DM this to your Valentine if you'd do the same! #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/ZHS8Kt6CnH
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) February 12, 2021
Luke makes a Valentine’s Day musical recommendation
Say whaaat? ? Happy (almost) Valentine's Day! #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/1mA55kv9mL
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) February 12, 2021
Bobby Bones Brings Flowers
Some ? to brighten up your DMs! Send some love to your Valentine before Sunday! ? #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/t6uAPVjqCg
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) February 11, 2021
Ryan Seacrest will share his Valentine’s greeting…
YOU GOT US!!! Typical Ryan ??? #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/lL770BTcaZ
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) February 13, 2021
And some miscellaneous interviews
The judges talk with the ladies of The View
Lionel is very upset that he can’t do his hugs. The segment highlights a homeless contestant.
Check out a new feature featuring the judges happy to be back in studio
People previews Claudia Conway’s audition that is airing tonight. Apparently Idol spends a lot of time on her and her family story tonight. Claudia’s father George was with her in California, while Kellyanne supported her from the East coast on Zoom. Watch it at People
Entertainment Tonight aired what looks like the opening for tonight’s show – Dreams are not cancelled! Katy insists. Luke compares a singer to Kelly Clarkson. “This is the original dream maker, because THIS is American Idol!” says Ryan. Watch it at Entertainment Tonight.
