American Idol is returning with the twentieth season in early 2022. The competition series was created by Simon Fuller originally aired on FOX from 2002-2016. The show then went on hiatus for two years but was revived by ABC Network on March 11, 2018, and this will be the fifth season on ABC. 

Speaking to Parade, Ryan Seacrest disclosed that season 20 will be very much different from the previous seasons. He said: “the show looked and felt really different than it does now. Sure, the concept—the foundation—is the same. But look at the evolution of the artists who are auditioning now, and at the style of the show, and it’s a real study of how one show can continue to evolve.” 

When American Idol first started, the contenders were not permitted to play any musical instruments or enact actual music, but looking back things have changed drastically. Ryan asserted that this has brought plenty of talented singer-songwriters auditioning for American Idol, including youngsters. He added, “As we see, more and more contestants are writing their music, which is great . . . you’ve got to give credit to someone who’s in their teens and who feels they’ve got a strong point of view to put into lyrics to perform in front of people.”

Ryan believes that the show can produce superstars

In his conversation with Parade, he explained how vastly the music industry has evolved since the show produced Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood who still remains strong and one of the most talented artists in the industry today. He added that he still believes that American Idol can produce superstars, while everything has to be on the right time.

He stated, “What’s fantastic about music now is that artists who could not have put out music or been exposed to fans can build their listener base and build their fan base from their own bedrooms. We didn’t have that when American Idol started. And I think that’s part of why when we get contestants now, they’re at a certain calibre when they enter the show before they even grow into it.” 

Ryan also illustrated that a lot of people at the auditions were not able to comply without the help of present technology. In the past seasons, auditions were set at huge events like the stadiums across the nation, but in today’s generation people can audition via Zoom. Ryan said, “When we started the show, you really had to pack up and drive, spend gas money and take time off work or school to get to us just to get an audition.” Ryan concludes that technology has enabled to broaden the auditions to various artists irrespective of genres.

American Idol season 20: When will it premiere? 

The twentieth season of American Idol is scheduled to premiere on February 27, 2022, followed by the same time slot and usual day. The much anticipated season 20 will have around 18 episodes and conclude in May. 

American Idol season 20: Host & Judges 

Fans favourite host Ryan Seacrest will return to serve as host in the upcoming season of American Idol. He was the sole talent linked with the competition series on FOX who decided to return for the show’s revival on ABC. 

As for the judges, the show will have three judges on the panel. They are none other than this dynamic trio Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie who will be serving as judges for season 20. 

American Idol season 20 auditions will be both online and virtual

In the upcoming season, 64 contestants will be selected and then participate in the Showcase Round in January 2022. The contestants will then be filtered down to just top 24 contestants. These 24 contestants will battle against each contestant in both solo and duets with celebrities. From here, it will be down from the top 16 contestants to just the top 12. The remaining dozen contestants will get to take part in the live shows which is scheduled to begin in early 2022.