‘American Idol’ season 22 preview: The judges take a ‘Wizard of Oz’ journey in search of a superstar [WATCH]
There’s no place like “American Idol.” The singing competition that has churned out superstars like Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood returns for its 22nd season on February 18, 2024. The series ran for 15 cycles on FOX and is now entering its seventh on ABC with judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
In a new promotional ad, the judges take a “Wizard of Oz” journey to Hollywood, passing through hometowns of some of the show’s most memorable stars. Watch Katy clicking her heels below.
“American Idol” ranked as the No. 1 program in the Sunday 8-10 p.m. time slot last season among Adults 18-49 and its time period for the fourth straight year in the demo. In addition, “American Idol” was ABC’s No. 1 program last season in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49 and was the No. 1 most social reality series across all of television, year to date, with nearly 1 billion social video views. The 22nd season of “American Idol,” lucky number seven on ABC, is set to return on February 18.
“Idol Across America” auditions were held as follows:
• First 700 VIP Event (Aug 2)
• Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Aug 4)
• Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug 7)
• Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug 9)
• Open Call: Singer-Songwriters (Aug 11)
• Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Aug 14)
• Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi ( Aug 16)
• Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire (Aug 18)
• Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Aug 21)
• Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Aug 23)
• Open Call: Country & Rock (Aug 25)
• Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Aug 28)
• The South: Open Call Pt. 1 (Aug 30)
• Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Washington D.C. , Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts (Sep 6)
• Open Call: Pop, R&B & Soul (Sep 8)
As shown above, no stone was left unturned in hopes of finding the best talent for Season 22. Last year Iam Tongi took the title, defeating Megan Danielle and Colin Stough in the season finale. Who will emerge this year? Tune in to ABC on Sunday, February 18 and follow Gold Derby’s coverage of Season 22 all spring.
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