‘American Idol’ Officially Confirms the Season 22 Judging Panel
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol fans can rest easy, because the show just confirmed the judging panel for Season 22, and all three judges — Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan — will be back, along with host Ryan Seacrest.
American Idol Confirms Season 22 Judges
On Tuesday, American Idol announced on social media that Perry, Richie, and Bryan will all be back for their seventh season judging the show on ABC. Longtime host Seacrest will also once again be emceeing the competition.
Earlier this year, there were reports that Perry was thinking about leaving the show following backlash over her judging style. The singer was accused of mom shaming a contestant during the most recent season, and she was even booed by the audience at one point.
Last month, a viral tweet even claimed that next season’s judging panel would feature Alanis Morissette and Demi Lovato. There was absolutely no evidence to support the rumor then, and now we know for sure that it’s not true.
It also looks like Seacrest’s new gig as host of Wheel of Fortune won’t affect his ability to host Season 22, which premieres in the spring. Seacrest won’t be joining the game show until later in 2024.
SEE ALSO: RANKING KATY PERRY’S BEST OUTFITS ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ SEASON 21
Virtual Auditions Begin Next Month
Singers who want to appear on the new season of American Idol can now submit audition videos to be considered. The show will also be holding virtual Idol Across America auditions over Zoom beginning in August.
These virtual auditions kick off August 4 in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. There are dates lined up for even more states into September of this year. Hopefuls can also audition during one of the four announced open call dates.
This season, singers can also share their audition videos on social media using the hashtag #TheNextIdol. Check out the audition website for a full schedule and more information on how to sign up.
