American Idol announces first-ever live virtual audition tour across ALL 50 states

American Idol is adapting its format so aspiring stars can still take part in auditions for the singing contest amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The ABC series has announced Idol Across America, a live virtual audition tour which will visit all 50 states in search of the next singing sensation.

The live tour will begin on August 10 and use custom-built Zoom technology to host its virtual nationwide search.

Adapting to the times: American Idol has announced Idol Across America, a live virtual audition tour which will visit all 50 states in search of the next singing sensation

The show will return for a fourth season in the spring of 2021.

For the first time in the show’s history, the remote auditions will happen across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. giving aspiring singers across the country a chance to compete.

They’ll get real-time feedback on their performance with face-to-face interaction with an Idol producer.

Hopefuls can sign up online for Idols Across America for the chance to have a virtual audition in front of a producer. The link is www.americanidol.com/auditions.

Making it happen: Hopefuls will get real-time feedback on their performance with face-to-face interaction with an Idol producer

Changing it up: Like many studio productions American Idol has been forced to film episodes remotely amid the pandemic where in-studio audiences are no longer allowed to limit the spread of the disease

Applicants must be between 15 – 28 years old to audition and may do so on any Idol Across America date regardless of your location.

Like many studio productions American Idol has been forced to film episodes remotely amid the  pandemic where in-studio audiences are no longer allowed to limit the spread of the disease. 

The current judge line-up is Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie but it’s not yet known which of the judges have signed on for the new season or whether Ryan Seacrest will be back to host. 

American Idol had a 15-year run on Fox before it was cancelled in 2017. It returned on ABC the following year. 

Hit: American Idol was renewed for a fourth season by ABC earlier this year. Pictured are judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan

Source: Daily Mail