American Idol 2024 Introduces the Hollywood Round cutthroat “Idol Arena”
American Idol is changing up the Hollywood Round. Instead of a solo and a duet, as contestants have performed in the past (with cuts after each), season 22 will feature a cut-throat format called the “Idol Arena.”
The 143 contestants who made it past the judges in the audition round, will sit scattered around the Santa Monica Hanger as the judges–Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan–call them to the stage one by one, at random, to perform. The panel will cut over half of the singers.
In other words, the contestants have ONE shot to move on to the next round. That’s it! In the promo below, Lionel calls the round “The Gladiators Pit.” It’s the BIGGEST Idol cut in history, declares host Ryan Seacrest! And actually, it serves to cut down the round to fit into only one episode instead of two.
After the singers perform, the judges will choose 57ish singers (Parade reports 56, Idol Spoilers found 57) to move on to the Showstoppers Round. Cooling their heels on the sidelines? The three Platinum Ticket holders, Abi Carter, Odell Bunton Jr. and Julia Gagnon. The trio opened the round with a performance of California Dreaming by the Mamas and Papas (Watch it HERE).
Monday shows begin with American Idol 2024 Showstoppers round
On April 1, Monday shows begin with the Showstoppers Round. (See the full schedule HERE) The remaining contestants will perform a song of their own choosing with a full band in front of a studio audience. The judges will then whittle the field down to the Top 24 in what the show calls the “Final Judgement.” Singers sit in front of the judges to endure bad fakeouts as the panel tells them whether they are moving on or going home. Once again, according to the above promo, the judges will pit singers against each other in a “sing off.”
The following week, on April 7 and 8, the Top 24 will perform at the Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii. American Idol alum Tori Kelly and country singer Jelly Roll mentor and join the judges on the panel. Reigning winner, Iam Tongi, performs. For the first time this season AMERICA VOTES.
LIVE American Idol 2024 episodes begin on April 15
Then, on Sunday April 14, The Top 20 are revealed and perform for the judges. America Votes AGAIN and on Monday April 15, the Top 14 are revealed on the FIRST LIVE season 22 episode.
American Idol filmed the Showstopper Round and Top 24 in front of a studio audience, making SPOILERS super easy to come by! Check out our Spoilers posts below. BUT DO NOT SPOIL IN THE COMMENTS HERE. Some fans DO NOT WANT TO BE SPOILED! Please respect.
American Idol 2024 Spoilers Showstopper Contestant and Song List
American Idol 2024 Spoilers: Top 24 Season 22 Contestant List
Get your TICKETS to sit in the American Idol 2024 AUDIENCE
Fans who live in the Los Angeles area, or willing to travel to the area can sign up for TICKETS to sit in the studio audience. Check out this link at On Camera Audiences to sign up. American Idol will film the Top 20 round on Wednesday, April 10. And then the LIVE SHOWS BEGIN on Monday April 15.
American Idol launched the careers of superstars Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Jordin Sparks, Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, Gabby Barrett, and Scotty McCreery, among many others, states the website.
