‘American Idol’ Season 22: Premiere Date, Judges, and Viewing Details.
American Idol” Season 22 premieres on February 18, marking Katy Perry’s final season as a judge. Lionel Richie expresses surprise at her departure, while Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez are rumored as potential replacements.
Highlights
- Katy Perry announces Season 22 as her last on “American Idol.”
- Lionel Richie was unaware of Perry’s departure, expressing surprise.
- Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez are rumored to be potential replacements.
Season Premiere
“American Idol” Season 22 is set to premiere on Sunday, February 18, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. Fans can look forward to new episodes airing every Sunday, featuring returning host Ryan Seacrest and judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. The show continues to be a platform for discovering new talent and shaping the future of music.
Katy Perry’s Farewell Season
After seven seasons, Katy Perry announced her departure from the show on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” This season will be her last as a judge, as she has other commitments planned for the year, including performing at the Rock in Rio music festival in Brazil. Perry’s departure marks the end of an era for “American Idol”—as she has been a key figure in the show’s recent seasons.
Lionel Richie’s Reaction
Lionel Richie was taken aback by Perry’s announcement, stating that he was not informed beforehand. On “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Richie joked about his reaction, saying his phone “blew up” upon hearing the news. Richie’s comments reflect the close-knit nature of the judging panel and the unexpected nature of Perry’s departure.
Potential Replacements
With Perry’s exit, speculation is rife about who will take her place on the judging panel. Reports suggest that pop icons Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez are the frontrunners. Lopez, a veteran judge of the show, is favored for her familiarity and nostalgic appeal. Swift, on the other hand, represents a “younger voice” that could resonate with a new generation of music lovers. The final decision on Perry’s replacement will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the show’s dynamics.
Where to Watch
Viewers can watch “American Idol” live on ABC or catch episodes on demand and on Hulu the following day. For Hulu subscription details, click here. The show’s accessibility across multiple platforms ensures that fans can enjoy the performances and drama of “American Idol” from anywhere.
Watch the ‘American Idol’ Season 22 trailer.
Audition Locations
The Season 22 auditions were held both virtually and in-person in various locations, including Los Angeles, California; Leesburg, Georgia; Tuskegee, Alabama; Santa Barbara, California; and Nashville, Tennessee. The diverse audition locations reflect the show’s commitment to finding talent from all corners of the country.
Previous Season Winner
Iam Tongi was the winner of “American Idol” Season 21, with Megan Danielle as the runner-up and Colin Stough finishing in third place. The success of previous winners showcases the life-changing potential of the show for aspiring artists.
