ABC has announced that, for the first time in the show’s history, it will simulcast American Idol nationwide.
- According to Deadline, the first nationwide simulcast will air on Sunday, April 29th with two additional events planned for two more weeks.
- The April 29th show will also be Disney Night and feature Idina Menzel (Frozen) as a mentor to the current contestants.
- These special shows will air from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific.
- This move will allow West Coast viewers to cast their votes for their favorite performers at the same time as East Coast and Central viewers.
- Viewers votes can be cast using the Amerian Idol app, AmericanIdol.com, or by text.
- Voting results will be announced on air at the end of each program
- UPDATE (4/25/18): The Top 10 contestants performed in Disneyland last night, and the “emotional” performances will air as part of the first simulcast (AKA Disney Night). It also seems that the show is doing some additional shooting at the resort today.
What they’re saying:
- Channing Dungey, ABC Entertainment President: “We set out on a journey to find the best talent this nation has to offer. As we head into the next phase of the American Idol competition, it only makes sense to let every viewer from coast to coast experience the magic of live television and have the ability to vote for America’s next superstar.
More Idol:
- American Idol currently has 14 contestants left.
- That number will be whittled down to 10 on tonight’s episode.
- The 14 contestants still in competition includes Ada Vox, Cade Foehner, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Catie Turner, Dennis Lorenzo, Gabby Barrett, Garrett Jacobs, Jonny Brenns, Jurnee, Maddie Poppe, Mara Justine, Marcio Donaldson, Michael J. Woodard, and Michelle Sussett.
- This season of American Idol — the first to air on ABC after 15 seasons of Fox — features stars Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryant as judges. Ryan Seacrest also returned as host.
The first nationwide simulcast episode of American Idol will air on ABC Sunday, April 29th at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT.