ABC has sent its American Idol contestants home to be with their families during the COVID-19 outbreak.
ROBERT TAYLOR
What’s happening:
- Billboard is reporting that like many other networks and TV shows, ABC’s American Idol is currently rethinking how to go about the current season of the reality show amid a global pandemic.
- Billboard says according to an inside source, American Idol’s crew has been working remotely for at least a week, and new shoots are on hold for the time being.
- As for the contestants, ABC has sent them home to be with their families as the nation practices social distancing and self quarantining while trying to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
MARNA MICHELE
- At this time, ABC still plans to air two previously filmed Hollywood week episodes on Sunday (March 22) and Monday (March 23).
- They also have two episodes geared up for the following week that were filmed in Hawaii at Disney’s Aulani Resort.
- American Idol’s live shows were originally scheduled to begin shooting in April in Los Angeles. ABC has not yet announced how they will proceed with the second half of the season.
If you’re curious:
- American Idol judge Katy Perry hosts a behind the scenes look at the Hawaii shows in the new Disney+ series, Disney Insider.