In the middle of ABC’s New Year’s Rockin Eve, Ryan Seacrest introduced an extended American Idol promo for season 19 (season 4 on ABC). The clip is the first to offer a good look at singers who auditioned in front of the judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan at various locations in California over the fall months.
“It’s so exciting to be back doing the show at it’s normal scale,” host Ryan Seacrest says in the opening shot. This is welcome news, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced American Idol to finish the season virtually last spring. To illustrate the point, the promo features a montage of hopefuls filmed in their respective hometowns–NOT zoomed in!
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However, Zoom still plays a role. After singers receive their coveted Golden Ticket from the judges, they celebrate with their families, who are communicating virtually via a giant video screen.
In one scene, Ryan interviews a singer in a bathroom. Another hopeful cries as she clutches her dog. A female singer declares, “I am so much more than my Tourettes.” Lionel offers, “These kids bring to us so much hope.” Luke gushes, “Nothing is more exciting than just a raw talent.” And, as a singer belts out the classic “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman),” Katy dissolves into tears.
“We just broke all the rules for you,” Katy tells one hopeful, “Because you are worth breaking the rules over!”
The lucky hopefuls who earned a Golden Ticket advanced to the Hollywood Round, which took place in Los Angeles earlier this month.
See the 60 second promo below
Bonus Video: Katy, Luke and Lionel Wish You a Happy New Year
