‘American Idol’ To Hold Virtual Nation Wide Auditions, ABC Confirms
American Idol is making history this year. How? Well, they are opting to hold virtual nationwide auditions. For the first time ever. So, keep reading for the details!
Idol Across America Tour Will Now Reach Fans in All 50 States
Previously, American Idol auditions were scheduled and structured. Judges and producers travel each year to select cities for open auditions. Everyone is welcome, however, many would-be contestants may not have the means to travel. ABC confirmed the change on Friday morning. The network cites Coronavirus precautions for motivating the new audition process. And, it looks like it will be beneficial to those who can’t travel?
So, Why Did ABC Switch to Virtual Auditions?
Things were starting to open up around the U.S. Things were starting to return to normal. But, that has changed.
Currently, the U.S. is seeing a second wave of virus cases. As a result, cities are shutting down. Reverting back to stage 1. All major health organizations warn against large gatherings of people. American Idol auditions typically take place in large cities.
The events literally draw tens of thousands of people. Consequently, these gatherings are potentially dangerous for contestants as they can promote spikes within cities. Additionally, interaction with the public put the show’s, judges and producers at risk as well.
So, virtual auditions certainly make sense.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDTpOb8p9Xa/
So, How Are Virtual Auditions Different?
Virtual auditions will lack the ‘big energy’ feel that viewers are used to. But, they certainly serve the same purpose. Like regular auditions, contestants will first perform for a producer. Then, producers will dismiss or pass the contestant. Afterwards, the contestant will move on to the secondary audition for the judges.
How will this all work? Well, ABC confirms the show will use custom technology. Technology created by Zoom. As a result, Idol auditions can still be done in real-time with a live audience.
For some, virtual auditions are a blessing. Why? Well, because some have stage fright. Performing in front of a producer and judges is terrifying. People get anxious. They make mistakes. Virtual auditions will give people a home-turf advantage.
A Smooth Transition
While this may be the first-ever virtual auditions round for the show… This is definitely not their first rodeo. Season 3 of the show ended in May 2020, well into the nation’s coronavirus lockdown. So, last years auditions and cast selection for the show were filmed before things got bad. However, live shows were done virtually. As a result, contestants performed from home. They used Zoom technology to communicate with judges and receive feedback.
Surprisingly, the adaptation went surprisingly well. By the end, fans had gotten used to this new format. As a result, the year’s season finale logged more than 7.3 million views. These ratings putting it in the stop slot that night for prime time television. Producers and the network are optimistic. Optimistic that this season will run just as smooth. And, that it will give fans something to look forward to each week.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_v1SAejOeK/
So, are you Planning to Audition?
Well, are you interested in being a contestant this year? If so, visit the show’s official site for more info. Variety recently posted the official Idol Across America virtual audition dates schedule. Dates for the auditions run August 10th to September 9th 2020. The fourth season of the show is set to begin in the spring of 2021.
Virtual Audition Schedule
- Delaware, Florida and Ohio (Aug. 10)
- Louisiana, Missouri and Wisconsin (Aug. 12)
- Arizona, Oregon and Washington (Aug. 14)
- Georgia, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Rhode Island (Aug. 16)
- Open Call Auditions (Aug. 17)
- Alabama, Arkansas and Kansas (Aug. 18)
- Idaho, New Mexico and Utah (Aug. 20)
Additional Tour Dates
- Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas (Aug. 22)
- Michigan, Tennessee and Virginia (Aug. 24)
- Open Call Auditions (Aug. 25)
- Iowa, Mississippi and Oklahoma (Aug. 26)
- Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota (Aug. 28)
- Connecticut, New Jersey and New York (Aug. 30)
- Colorado, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming (Sept. 1)
- Maine, South Carolina and West Virginia (Sept. 3)
- Alaska, California and Hawaii (Sept. 5)
- Kentucky, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania (Sept. 7)
- Massachusetts, North Carolina and Vermont (Sept. 9)
So, are you planning to audition this year or have you in the past? And, do you think they can pull of a whole virtual season of Idol? Tell us in the comments.
And, stay tuned to TV Shows Ace for all the latest on your favorite shows and celebs.
- ‘Sister Wives’ Fans Are Worried About Meri Brown’s Health – Here’s Why - June 13, 2022
- Amy Halterman Due Soon Gives Baby Update - May 30, 2022
- Tammy Slaton: New Boyfriend, Slender Frame, & Same Attitude? - May 30, 2022