‘American Idol’ Opens Virtual Auditions in California Ahead of Season 20

'American Idol' judges Lionel Richie, Katy Parry and Luke Bryan pose for a photo at the judges' table. Courtesy of ABC

American Idol hopefuls will get the chance to try out for the ABC series through a virtual audition process as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

The “Idol Across America” auditions will once again have producers from the show on virtual calls to assess the talent pool.

American Idol will also allow local musicians to skip the virtual line and be among the first of the day to try out through its “Front of Line” initiative, where audiences nominate their favorite local acts.

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This is the second year the ABC competition show has held live virtual auditions and given contestants a chance to submit a video from home as an alternative to in-person tryouts.

Live virtual Zoom auditions will take place across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Open calls for different regions will be held throughout September.

California auditions will take place online on Saturday, Aug. 21. For California participants, American Idol alum and season 19 winner Chayce Beckham will be on hand to offer advice and take part in a question & answer session.

According to show rules, contestants this year must be born on or between June 2, 1992 and September 15, 2006.

Season 20 of American Idol will reunite host Ryan Seacrest and judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

The talent competition will air in the spring of 2022 on ABC, but a specific premiere date for the show has not yet been announced.