‘American Idol’ Renewed for Season 25 as ‘Idol Across America’ Kicks Off

“American Idol,” the iconic show that launched the modern day talent show and introduced the world to superstars Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood will return to ABC for an iconic 25th season.

Key Takeaways

• Idol’s first winner, Kelly Clarkson, is a Grammy and Emmy winner, and is the host of “The Kelly Clarkson Show”
• Season hopeful Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar for her debut role in “Dreamgirls.”
• Idol has had several high profile judges over the past 25 seasons including superstars Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry.

Get the most American Idol news in our American Idol category page, for show recaps, contestant interviews, judges comments and more.

Season 25 auditions kick off Tuesday, Aug. 25, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be 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 auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open-call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.

Get the most American Idol news in our American Idol category page, for show recaps, contestant interviews, judges comments and more.

“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):

VIP Day (Aug. 25): Only the first 250 singers who register will secure a spot for their chance to become the next Idol! Once all spots are claimed, registration for this date closes.

Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug. 26)

Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Aug. 27)

The South Open Call (Aug. 31)

Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 1)

Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 2)

Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Sept. 8)

Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 9)

Nationwide Open Call (Sept. 11)

East Coast Open Call (Sept. 14)

Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 16)

Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont (Sept. 18)

West and Midwest Open Call (Sept. 21)

Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Sept. 23)

Delaware; Maryland; Ohio; Washington, D.C.; Rhode Island; Massachusetts (Sept. 25)

Nationwide Open Call (Sept. 28)

For more information, “Idol” hopefuls can visit to find out how to audition at americanidol.com/auditions.

Get the most American Idol news in our American Idol category page, for show recaps, contestant interviews, judges comments and more.