It’s official – American Idol is set to return for its monumental 20th season on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 8/7c on ABC.
The award-winning competition show revealed the news on Thursday (Dec. 2), and within moments, country superstar and Idol judge Luke Bryan declared, “Can’t wait to be back!”
Bryan, along with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, and longtime host, Ryan Seacrest, returned to filming the show earlier this fall. The music legends documented their return to Idol with a ribbon cutting celebration and later commemorated the occasion with a custom American Idol cake.
“We’re filming on the Sunset Strip this week! Season 20’s gonna rock, no matter how you slice it,” American Idol wrote alongside a photo of Seacrest, Perry, Bryan and Richie.
The Idol cohorts later reunited on ABC with an appearance on the 55th Annual CMA Awards, which was hosted by Bryan.
“Luke, Katy, Lionel and Ryan are music and industry icons that have become synonymous with ‘Idol’ on ABC,” said Rob Mills, executive vice president, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television.
Mills continued, “their star power is unmatched, and their support is a gift to our contestants that have deeply benefited from their wisdom over the past four seasons—and they’re ready to do it again. As we begin a momentous season, I think it’s safe to say this dream team has officially cemented their legacy on ‘Idol.’”
“’American Idol’ is still the original music show that genuinely creates superstars and continues to evolve to allow true artists to succeed in this unique business,” added executive producer and showrunner Megan Wolflick. “The chemistry and passion Katy, Luke, Lionel and Ryan bring is second to none. We couldn’t be more ecstatic that they are returning for this iconic 20th season in search of the freshest new talent that this nation has to offer.”
Auditions for American Idol season 20 are now closed.