The nationwide search for the next superstar kicked off in August, as the Idol Bus traveled from Portland, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida, in its pursuit for talent, covering 23 cities across the country.
Auditioning was made easier than ever as hopefuls also had the opportunity to submit audition videos online, as well as via select social media platforms using an official tag, #TheNextIdol, cultivating over 300,000 posts.
Also, for the first time in American Idol history, hopefuls had the opportunity to audition through a livestream platform.
Helping to determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation, are music industry forces and superstar judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest returns as host.
After searching the country for the best of the best talent America has to offer, viewers will be taken on a journey through the stories of talented musicians from far and wide - from garage band rockers to national anthem singers to caretakers - who all have the same passion: a love for music.
In the first audition episode, the show will head to New York, Los Angeles and Nashville where aspiring singers will audition for a chance to see if they have what it takes to earn the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood.
| CHANNEL |
M-Net (DStv 101) |
| PREMIERE |
13 April 2018 |
| TIMESLOT |
Fridays, 19h00 (double bill) and Saturdays, 18h00 (double bill) |
| REPEATS |
Sundays, 09h00 (double bill)
Tuesdays, 13h30 (single episode)
Wednesdays, 13h30 (single episode) |