By Michaela Gordoni
Showrunner and EP Megan Micheals Wolflick says virtual auditions have transformed AMERICAN IDOL and shared new changes will come in Season 24.
“It was a bit of a risk, but it has been amazing,” Wolflick said of virtual auditions. “We have had so many more people signing up who would have never auditioned because it was really just clicking a link. In the past, you would have had to sign up, come down, wait for hours, sing in front of a lot of other people.”
When applicants apply, they wait in a virtual waiting room and then disperse into other rooms where they audition in front of a producer. Usually, there is a former IDOL contestant or winner who answers their questions and makes them feel comfortable.
“Then you are sent to the one-on-one audition where you get to sing for a producer. And if you make it through that, you come to sing for me,” Wolflick told TV Insider. “If you make it through that, we take you to sing with [the judges,] Carrie, Luke and Lionel.”
She can’t divulge details but promises changes will come to Season 24.
Related: Who’s Going to Host AMERICAN IDOL Season 24?
“We do have some changes. I can’t really get into any details, but we do have some big format changes coming for sure,” she said. “There are going to be some surprises around every turn for sure.”
Carrie Underwood will return as a judge for the second time.
“I think she is so tapped into the experience. She got her feet wet last year, but what I do love about her is she is invested,” Wolflick explained. “She is in it and cares so much about all the finalists who come through the door.”
“She is only going to get better,” she said. “She works her butt off on this show. I’m so proud.”
Wolflick said she sees better talent every year.
“It’s really an experience and something people are training for their whole lives for watching the show…It’s the next generation and next class…This show to me has never become old.”
“It’s so exciting every year…There will always be amazing talent, and I feel so privileged we get to listen to them,” she said.
The New York post confirmed that Ryan Seacrest will continue to host the show next season.
The new season will come out sometime in 2026 and will air every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, Good Housekeeping reported.
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