American Idol 2025 sets a special preview to air after Oscar telecast one week ahead of official premiere
In 2025, ABC will return to broadcasting a special American Idol episode after its Oscar telecast. The big difference this season–the Oscars will air AHEAD of the American Idol premiere rather than a few weeks after it starts.
Two years ago, ABC aired a special one hour audition episode after the Oscars. This year, the network will air a special preview of American Idol,” following the live telecast of the awards show on Sunday March 2. It will begin streaming next day on Hulu.
This special airing comes one week ahead of the season 23 (8 on ABC) premiere on March 9. According to the press release, “viewers will get to see the new judging panel comprised of season four 2005 winner and eight-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood.” She will take a seat alongside fellow country music singer Luke Bryan and R&B icon Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest remains as host. The special will feature the first few auditions of the season.
Judges round took place New York, Nashville, Los Angeles. Platinum Ticket returns
Judges auditions took place in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles. At the end of October, the panel was spotted in downtown Nashville on Broadway outside of Luke’s Nashville bar, Luke’s 32nd Bridge. The panel and Ryan Seacrest also showed up at a Tennessee Titans game. Videos from local media revealed that the judges awarded a Platinum ticket to an American Idol hopeful.
As previously announced, Emmy® Award-winning television host, writer, producer and comedian Conan O’Brien will host The Oscars, which will air live coast to coast SUNDAY, MARCH 2 (7:00-10:30 p.m. EST/4:00-7:30 p.m. PST), on ABC. The telecast will also be rebroadcast in the Pacific Time zone in primetime after the live presentation.
