American Idol season 19 hasn't started production yet and there's no official update as to when everything could begin. The good news is that all the three judges, as well as the host, are all returning once the new installment of the reality singing competition premieres.
Recently, ABC confirmed that Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are all coming back as judges in American Idol season 19. In addition, the network confirmed that Ryan Seacrest will remain as the host of the new installment.
In a statement, ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said the program has always been able to bring people together, entertain, and inspire. She added that she's proud of how the show continued to bring joy and laughter during the times when people needed it the most.
Burke further said they feel more confident that Perry, Bryan, Richie, and Seacrest are all leading the series in the new season. Meanwhile, there is no word at the moment whether or not in-house mentor Bobby Bones is coming back in American Idol season 19.
In fact, Bones himself isn't sure what the future holds for him in the singing competition. The radio personality revealed on Twitter that he's "still working" on figuring out whether he could return in the new installment due to scheduling conflicts.
Bones is working on another show on National Geographic Channel, a program that was supposed to be done by the time American Idol season 19 begins production. But, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, his schedules might get conflicted.
At the moment, there's no official update when production could begin. Usually, the in-person auditions featuring the judges and contestants film later in the year. However, due to the current health crisis, everything remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the summer bus tour has been a regular part of the audition process. This is a chance for the program to reach some audiences, including those in rural areas who couldn't make it to the big-city auditions. Yet, things are going to be different when it comes to these auditions this time around.
Deadline reported that a Zoom-based virtual model will be implemented at the bus tour for the new season. The program still has a lot of time to figure out what to do next. However, the network's top priority right now is to start up everything while keeping the safety of everyone.
If ever filming kicks off in the coming months, we could expect American Idol season 19 premiering in early 2021.
