dp“American Idol” is leaving Hollywood behind and heading south for its 25th season. The long-running singing competition announced it will be relocating its live shows from California to the Atlanta area.
E! News confirmed the cross-country move Sept. 15, though the network has not disclosed a specific reason for the relocation. Host Ryan Seacrest will return for the landmark season alongside judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, who replaces Katy Perry on the panel. Underwood won the show’s fourth season.
Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick emphasized the significance of the upcoming production in comments to Georgia news station WJCL. “It’s a landmark season for us, and we’re going to make it very, very big,” Wolflick said.
The show launched its nationwide search for talent Aug. 25 through Idol Across America, a virtual audition platform that allows aspiring singers from all 50 states to perform for producers. Open-call auditions remain available through Sept. 28. Wolflick described the show’s ideal contestant as having “that special magic stardust” and urged applicants to be authentic to connect with audiences.
