Last Sunday ABC aired a 30 minute special that previewed the upcoming season of American Idol. If you didn’t catch it, the entire 20 minute clip is online now.
The special, Where The Stars Are Born, interviews American Idol alums and highlights upcoming talent. Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Perry, and mentor Bobby Bones share their thoughts on the series. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
The show checks in with American Idol alums, including Carrie Underwood, Laine Hardy, Ruben Studdard, Justin Guarini, Madisa, Todrick Hall, Gabby Barrett, Cade Foehner and Maddie Poppe. They share their thoughts on how the Idol experience helped their careers. The latest winners, Maddie (2018) and Laine (2019) catch fans up on life after Idol
Also, there is special emphasis on 2019 runner-up Alejandro Aranda, who mostly competed with original compositions. “Alejandro changed the game of American Idol,” Bobby says, “He broke a lot of barriers for a lot of the artists coming through. I know this season–a lot of them will say to me ‘I didn’t know if American Idol was made for me until I saw Alejandro.” Lionel adds, “Instead of a talent show, it becomes a creative exposure show.”
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“I think the reason why Idol has actual superstars that have huge careers is because we care about the whole package,” Katy emphasizes, “Not just the voice.” Katy says, “It’s about your story, it’s about your presentation. It’s about timing, it factor and talent.”
The judges also share their view from the panel. “By the time they get to top 10,” says Lionel “The [contestants] have a chance at forever.” Luke stresses the many stars from Idol who have changed entertainment and music. “It’s so fun sitting in my chair,” he says. Bobby says, “I’m blown away at how eclectic a lot of the musical styles are and I’m really interested to see exactly what America is going to think about it.
The judges insist that they have honed their talent choosing skills over the past 3 seasons. “This year we’re trying to be a little more frank, a little more real,” says Luke. “We learned that when we tell someone no and they go home, that they’re probably going to go work harder and they understand, they can come back to us.”
The special ends with a montage of upcoming auditions, which we previously uploaded HERE.
American Idol season 18 premieres on ABC Sunday Feb 16 at 8 pm ET/PT. Watch a 30 minute preview clip below.
