‘American Idol’ Season 22 Updates: Katy Perry & the Judges Channel ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in First Promo & More

The search for the next music superstar will continue with American Idol season 22. ABC announced exciting news about the upcoming season of the singing competition in July 2023 after the series was renewed back in May 2023. Season 22 is about to get underway, and your Idol faves will be back.

On December 29, ABC released the first promo for American Idol season 22. The judges and host Ryan Seacrest channeled The Wizard of Oz. “Somewhere over the rainbow the next #AmericanIdol will be found!” the caption began. “Join us on the Golden Ticket road Feb 18 on ABC and stream on Hulu.”

Katy Perry looks just like Dorothy in a blue and white dress, as well as red sequin slippers. “I don’t think we’re in our hometowns anymore,” Katy says. Lionel Richie replies, “We’re not.” Ryan tells the judges to “follow the golden ticket road.” As they walk down the road, they pass by the hometowns of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and more.

With 2024 almost here, that means American Idol season 22 is near. Hollywood Life is answering all the burning questions you have about American Idol season 22.

Who Are The Judges For ‘American Idol’ Season 22?

Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will return for American Idol season 22. This marks their 7th season as Idol judges. They signed on as judges when ABC revived the series after FOX canceled it in 2016.

‘American Idol’ Season 22 Premiere Date

American Idol season 22 will premiere on February 18, 2024. Since ABC picked up the series, American Idol has premiered in February or March every year.

Is Ryan Seacrest Returning To ‘American Idol?’

Yes, American Idol veteran Ryan Seacrest will return as the host of the singing competition. He’s been the host of American Idol since its premiere in 2002.

Ryan will be pulling double duty when it comes to hosting. He’ll be replacing Pat Sajak as the host of Wheel of Fortune beginning in 2024. When Ryan was announced as the new Wheel of Fortune host in June 2023, he released a statement on his Instagram. A fan commented, “Name something this man can’t do. Are you going to continue to host American Idol too?” Ryan later replied, “Yes! And thank you.”

Who Won ‘American Idol’ Season 21?

Iam Tongi was voted the winner of American Idol season 21. Iam captured the hearts of viewers all over the world with his emotional audition dedicated to his late father. His American Idol audition has over 21 million views on YouTube. He became an instant frontrunner in the competition, ultimately being crowned the new champion. Megan Danielle came in second place.

Since his American Idol win, Iam nabbed his first No. 1 song with “I’ll Be Seeing You,” which hit the top of the Billboard Rock Digital Songs Sales. He has spent the summer performing across the country as part of his first tour. More shows are expected to be announced.

Following the season 21 finale, Iam spoke EXCLUSIVELY with HollywoodLife about his future plans. “One day I’ll have an album in the works. I’m going to start recutting my originals, just work on them, and hopefully one day there will be an album,” he said at the time.

When Do ‘American Idol’ Season 22 Auditions Start?

Auditions for season 22 began on August 2 with the return of Idol Across America, the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar. Those auditioning were given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge audition round of the competition.

Things really kicked off with the First 700 event, where hopefuls signed up to grab a VIP spot before anyone else. Contenders were also able to audition under their genre for the first time in Idol Across America history. Auditions were open worldwide to all those eligible.

Following the First 700 event, Idol Across America auditions got underway in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. There was an open call on September 8.