“American Idol” fans, are you curious as to how the Season 16 schedule will play out on ABC? The highly anticipated season premiere debuts Sunday, March 11 with new judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie searching for the next singing superstar. ABC has confirmed to Gold Derby that auditions will make up the first five episodes, followed by Hollywood week and the showcase rounds. The live shows will then take place over five straight weeks, from Sunday, April 22 until the grand finale airs Monday, May 21.
The judges visited five different cities during the pre-taped audition rounds: New York, NY, New Orleans, LA, Nashville, TN, Savannah, GA and Los Angeles, CA. Longtime host Ryan Seacrest, who’s pulling double-duty as he also hosts “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” will be a familiar face to viewers as “American Idol” makes the move from Fox to ABC.
SEE ‘American Idol’ Winners List (Seasons 1 – 15)
Might 28-year-old vocal coach Britney Holmes be the winner of “American Idol” Season 16? This Aubrey, TX native has already advanced to the next round thanks to a special fan vote, giving her notoriety heading into the new season. Holmes belted out a powerful version of James Bay‘s “Let It Go” during her audition while wearing tattered jeans and a yellow jacket. Watch her performance right here.
Unlike some rival reality TV singing shows, “American Idol” is known for creating superstar after superstar. From Grammy winners like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, to Oscar champ Jennifer Hudson, the first 15 seasons of “American Idol” made household names out of talented unknown artists. See the complete list of “American Idol” winners.
