Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Host Ryan Seacrest Return to American Idol for Season 22
The full panel and host are back. Returning judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will rejoin host Ryan Seacrest for American Idol’s 22nd season (the show’s seventh season on ABC). The quartet reunites to continue the search for America’s next breakout singing star when the series returns in spring 2024.
After season 21, cast members hinted they would remain together, and producers confirmed the familiar lineup will resume its roles for the upcoming season. Katy Perry returns to the judging panel despite facing public scrutiny during the previous season, and all four will work together again to guide contestants through auditions and live rounds.
American Idol remains a ratings and social media success. According to network information, the series ranked as the No. 1 program in the Sunday 8–10 p.m. time slot last season among Adults 18–49, maintaining its lead in that audience segment for the fourth consecutive year. The show was ABC’s top program in both Total Viewers and Adults 18–49 for the season and was the most socially viewed reality series on television year to date, generating nearly one billion social video views. With strong ratings and engagement, the series returns to continue its legacy of discovering new musical talent.
Auditions will begin with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search that found last year’s winner, Iam Tongi. The virtual audition process offers hopeful singers the opportunity to audition live for an American Idol producer from anywhere in the United States, on any scheduled audition date. Successful virtual auditions can lead to a judge audition round and a chance to advance in the competition.
The virtual audition experience includes a First 700 VIP event, where early registrants can secure a priority audition slot, and for the first time in IAA history, auditioners may be invited to perform within their genre category. Auditions are open to eligible participants across the country, and additional fall dates will be announced by the show.
Idol Across America Auditions
“Idol Across America” virtual audition dates are scheduled as follows (subject to change). These sessions give singers nationwide a chance to perform live for an American Idol producer and potentially move on to the next round:
- 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)
Anyone who meets the show’s eligibility requirements may register to audition on any Idol Across America date, regardless of their location. Audition registration, date details, eligibility criteria, submission forms, and official terms and conditions are provided through the show’s official audition registration channels. Contestants should review the full rules and requirements before auditioning to ensure they qualify and understand the process.
With the original judging team and host returning, American Idol’s Season 22 aims to build on its track record of high ratings and social engagement while offering new opportunities for singers across genres to be seen and heard. Aspiring artists interested in taking part in Idol Across America should sign up for available audition dates and prepare a strong performance to make the most of this nationwide platform.