All three American Idol judges–Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan–appeared on Wednesday’s CMA Awards which broadcast live from Nashville on ABC. The next day, they went to work auditioning season 21 hopefuls for the upcoming season. American Idol 2023 premiers on ABC on Sunday February 19.
Blake Busch has been scouring sources and social media to find contestants who auditioned in front of the judges in Nashville. Filming took place at the Kimpton Aertson, while contestants stayed at the Hyatt House.
Familiar faces from American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The Voice audition in Nashville
Hayley Slaton Myles, the pregnant hopeful from last year auditioned again in Nashville. She is notable for meeting a fellow contestant at auditions and marrying him a few months later, in December, shortly before her baby was born. She brought her husband Jordan along, hoping producers would allow him to sing as well.
Kya Monee, Willie Spence’s season 20 Hollywood duet partner Also auditioned.
Also, spotted in Nashville various former Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice contestants:
America’s Got Talent season 11 singer Jayna Brown was 14 years old in 2016 when she competed on that show. She and her mother had experienced homelessness back home in Atlanta and were living with neighbors. Guest judge Louis Tomlinson chose her as a golden buzzer during the Judge Cuts round, which sent her straight to the semi-finals where she was cut.
Also auditioning in Nashville were Wé McDonald, the spectacular singer from Team Alicia Keys who made The Voice season 11 finals; Rebecca Brunner who competed on Team Blake Shelton on The Voice season 13, but was eliminated in the Battle Rounds; and Team John Legend’s Janora Brown, also eliminated at the Battle Rounds from The Voice season 21.
Previously, the judges auditioned contestants in Las Vegas and New Orleans for season 21. Nashville completes the judges round auditions. Next stop, HOLLYWOOD, which traditionally takes place in Los Angeles in December. Stay tuned!
American Idol filmed at Noah Thompson and HunterGrild co-headlining Nashville concert
An additional tidbit: Season 20 winner and runner-up, Noah Thompson and HunterGirl respectively are currently co-headlining a tour on the heels of releasing new single. The two played the Skydeck in Nashville on Friday November 11. Earlier in the day, HunterGirl teased that Idol production would be there filming. “You guys need to get here early,” Hunter penned on Instagram, “Because there might be a TV show that maybe both of us were on that might be coming out to say Hi. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Some special guests. See ya all there!”
According to social media posts, Top 14 contestant, Dan Marshall, too the stage to sing with HunterGirl. Season 20 Top 4 contestant Fritz Hager (who is about to embark on a tour with fellow American Idol alums Allegra Miles, Francisco Martin and Jonny West.
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