American Idol 2023 heads to Hawaii February 11 and 12
Scheduled to tape the Top 25/? round, American Idol will once again film at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii on February 11 and 12. Tickets are available at OnCameraAudiences.com
Typically the round is the first viewer voting opportunity of the season. Contestants perform in front of a live audience on a stage set up on the resort’s tropical beach. The singers perform a song of their own choosing in front of a full band and the judges.
R&B Singer Ashanti and Josh Groban will assist Jelly Roll as Guest Mentors in Hawaii
American Idol announced last week that country singer Jelly Roll would serve–staring with Hollywood week–as the show’s official “Artist in Residence.” But additionally, R&B singer Ashanti will guest mentor the contestants in Hawaii.
“Big vibes on #AmericanIdol!” Ashanti wrote alongside a photo of herself and Jelly Roll on Instagram. “I’m a guest mentor at @disneyaulani this year, and of course @jellyroll615 and I are bringing the heat!!!”
American Idol also announced on Monday that actor and singer Josh Groban would also serve as a mentor. Josh has appeared on American Idol previously. On season 19 he sang duets with Top 24 contestants Beane and Ava August.
American Idol 2023 kicks off on March 9 with Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Ryan Seacrest
The American Idol judges panel saw a big change for season 23 (Season 8 on ABC). After judge Katy Perry exited the show to concentrate on her music career, American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood took her place next to veteran judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Ryan Seacrest returns as host.
The new season premieres on Sunday March 9 on ABC, streaming next day on Hulu+. However, fans will receive a first taste of the new season when a special pre-show special airs after the ABC Oscar telecast the week before on Sunday March 2.
See a few new American Idol faces
A recent promo features a few of the new faces fans will become familiar with as the season unfolds. New judge Carrie sympathises with the hopefuls because she has been in their shoes. “I know you’re nervous” she tells one singer. At one point, a contestant brings her to tears. After a singer belts it out, the judges are on their feet applauding.
It’s worth noting that Carrie wears bright pink dress with a matching cape for her American Idol debut. It’s the same color outfit she wore to her life-changing audition 20 years ago!
