One advantage American Idol has gained by moving to ABC is having the Disney empire at its beck and call. SO many promo opportunities! From promo set at the Disney parks, to appearances on the American Music Awards and Dancing with the Stars. And, of course, the annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special would serve as the PERFECT opportunity to remind folks that Idol is BACK. After all, Ryan Seacrest hosts both shows.
In fact, the upcoming season of American Idol was promoted throughout the 6 hour New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special that just broadcasted on ABC. At one point, Ryan promoted it live on air. And as the theme song blared across Times Square, the camera panned to a huge video screen where a new extended promo rolled for the television audience and the entire crowd.
In it, we see hopefuls arrive from all over the country, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan take their seats. Singers talk about their dreams and aspirations. The clip winds up with Luke telling a singer that they COULD win American Idol. Hm. I wonder who that could be? We won’t find out until Sunday March 11 when American Idol premieres on ABC! (Or until the spoilers arrive. Heh.)
Are you ready for it?
In a recent interview with Billboard magazine, Ryan shared a few thouts about the upcoming season:
Well, we started the auditions — we’ve done the auditions, actually. And we’ve invited a bunch of the men and women back to Hollywood for the Hollywood rounds. So the auditions are done, we’ve seen the talent, it’s great. There’s some “rough diamonds” out there, and we’re feeling good about that. We star in March and… I miss it. I’m glad it’s coming back.
Here’s a fun tidbit. After the FOX version of the show was canceled, Ryan took home the judges desk. “One of the things I got the keep form the old show… they sent me the desk. So in my house I have the Idol original judges desk.” Ryan quipped, “I sit there and I host and judge. That’s how I rehearse. I read a book, say my prayers, and then I host the show. I’m gonna make it like a cocktail bar.”
