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American Idol In Production For 2021 Shows

The old show biz motto: “The show must go on,” comes to life with American Idol. Despite the pandemic, American Idol will be back in 2021 with Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan and of course, Ryan Seacrest. They have already headed into production of the ever popular show, but with all the precautions necessary to keep not only the cast and crew safe, but the contestants as well. If you recall, American Idol was one of the first major entertainment formats to battle through the COVID-19 production shutdown to finish its last season with a series of episodes filmed remotely. It worked and they are back with the judge’s auditions episodes being filmed at a number of locations across California. While in previous seasons, the show would be filmed all over the country, this year, AI is staying slightly closer to home due to the worldwide pandemic. Contestants will be traveling to each of the auditions from all over the country, while the AI production team has put in place rigorous health and safety protocols to ensure that the set is as safe as possible. Cast and crew are all being tested in accordance with local, state, union and industry guidelines from organizations including the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), federal, state, local government and health agencies and medical professionals. There will also be social distancing on set and cast and crew will be required to wear masks when not on camera. In fact, instead of Lionel, Luke and Katy sitting at the same table, the trio will have separate tables.  American Idol has already held its first round of auditions, “Idol Across America”, virtually using custom-built Zoom technology. Forget the bus tour around the good old U.S. of A, instead AI ran remote auditions across all 50 states and DC in August and September. A round of applause to the American Idol production company, crew and cast, who found a way to bring this iconic ABC TV series once again to the American public.