By Michaela Gordoni
As AMERICAN IDOL wraps up Season 24, a new social media post announced that the show is already renewed for the next season.
Renewal may be a given, but the post also said it’s taking auditions for the new season.
“Our search is on for #TheNextIdol! 🤩,” the AMERICAN IDOL post caption read. “Send in your video now, or tell a friend! 🎤 #BeAnIdol.”
One singer commented, “Oh my gosh, so early! OK OK OK we’re getting ready 😮”
Another said, “Well I would love to audition but I’m ‘too old’ so ridiculous! You have to be under 30. I think that’s sad.” The show’s cut-off age is 29.
Related: Why AMERICAN IDOL Season 24’s First Live Show Will Focus on Faith
The May 4 episode of AMERICAN IDOL is set to feature original judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul as guest mentors. Abdul will also return as a guest judge.
A post announcing the news said, “20 years later! 🎤💙 This Monday May 4, @paulaabdul and @randyjackson return as guest judge and guest mentor!! 🤩 Get ready for a perfect 2006 reunion on #americanidol!”
ABC’s Instagram account commented, “It’s YES from me, dawg!!!”
The episode is a special Class of 2006 reunion with some of the top 10 contestants from that year: Taylor Hicks, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington and Elliott Yamin, American Songwriter reported. Each singer will perform with one of the current contestants for a duet.
Season 24’s top five final contestants are Chris Tungseth, Hannah Harper, Brandon Rumfelt, Keyla Richardson and Jordan McCullough.
Some DANCING WITH THE STARS pros will also join in on the episode.
Alicia Keys will appear in the Grand Finale as a guest mentor and will perform with the top three contestants. The finale airs on May 11.
Judge Lionel Richie recently revealed how he’s seen newbie Carrie Underwood grow as a judge.
He told Us Weekly, “I think for her, the toughest part was saying ‘No.’ It took her about halfway through her first season.”
“And I get it, we’re here to not tear them down, but to encourage. But at the same time, not to lie to them. It’s a great balancing act,” he said.
Once she got past that, she realized how to be the judge each contestant needs.
He continued, “I think once she got past that…they’re already slightly broken when they come to us. So they sometimes need mom, dad and the cousin and the uncle before they need somebody with an authoritative scare, you to death. So I think that’s what we bring together. And Carrie is just a sweetheart. I love her.”
The next episode airs May 4 at 8/7c on ABC.
Read Next: ‘God Turned it Around’: Jennifer Hudson Marks 20 Years Since AMERICAN IDOL Elimination
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