2021 American Idol Is Back: Start Date, Judges, Host, Schedule, How to watch

Laura February 28, 2021 | 10:08

American Idol 2021 Is Back: American Idol 2021 officially kicked off after being aired remotely last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Let’s take a look at some information about the start date, judges, host, schedule, etc of this year’s American Idol.

2021 American Idol Is Back: Start Date, Judges, Host, Schedule, How to watch

Photo: ABC

When does American Idol start?

American Idol returned in 2021 on Sunday, Feb. 14 on ABC.

When is American Idol on?

American Idol airs at 8 p.m. ET Sunday nights on ABC.

When did American Idol begin?

The reality singing series premiered in 2002 on Fox. In 2016, after several seasons of declining ratings, Fox canceled the series. American Idol 2021, which now airs on ABC, started on Feb. 14.

How is American Idol adapting to COVID-19?

To help ensure the safety of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan along with host Ryan Seacrest, the number of cities where the auditions were held was reduced, and, as you can see from promo photos, the judges are now socially distanced.

What are the big changes for American Idol 2021?

For the 2021 season, one of the biggest changes is that contestants get to choose their format, Bobby Bones told Parade.

“In Hollywood Week, the judges went around into the rooms a bit more than ever before and worked with the contestants as well,” Bones said. “We had duets last year, but the big twist this year was the judges paired people up.”

What year did Kelly Clarkson win American Idol?

Kelly Clarkson was the very first American Idol winner. She claimed the top prize in September 2002.

Could this 2021 American Idol contestant be the next Kelly Clarkson?

When Grace Kintsler auditioned on the American Idol 2021 premiere, all three judges gave her rave reviews.

“That’s got to be right up there with the Kelly Clarkson audition, the Jennifer Hudson audition,” Luke Bryan said after her audition. “I get brought to tears by stories and backgrounds of people and their struggles, but this is the first time in four years that someone just singing made me cry.”

Who are the American Idol judges in 2021?

Photo: ABC

Katy Perry

Photo: ABC

Lionel Richie

Photo: ABC

Luke Bryan

Who is the host of American Idol?

What would American Idolbe without Ryan Seacrest, the only remaining original cast member, at the helm as host? If we’re lucky, maybe he will bring his “Seacrest out!” catchphrase out of retirement for the new season. according to Parade.

Is Bobby Bones still on American Idol?

Absolutely! Bobby Bones will be back as in-house mentor to offer his expertise to the contestants and them to be the best that they can be both performance wise and confidence wise as they make their American Idol journey.

How to watch American Idol 2021 online for free in the US

If you have cable you can enjoy the latest episode of American Idol on ABC from 8pm ET/PT or 7pm CT every Sunday from February 14, said Techradar.

ABC has an online platform where you can watch live episodes or re-watch previous instalments from the current season, but you may need to enter your cable provider details first.

Alternatively, you can get ABC without the commitment (or cost) of cable by using an OTT streaming service.

Of the many options, FuboTV stands out as one of the few to offer ABC as part of its line-up - priced from $64.99 a month, it's a complete cable replacement service and you can try a FREE FuboTV trial first to see if it meets your needs.

Not in the US? Don't worry - all you need is a top-notch VPN and you'll be able to watch all the same streaming services and shows you would back home, wherever you are.

Photo: ABC

How to watch American Idol online from outside your country

If you're abroad right now and unable to access the streaming services you normally use, there's a reason for this: geo-blocking, a common digital annoyance that means certain content can only be viewed in certain parts of the world.

Luckily, there’s an easy solution. Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream shows like American Idol online anywhere. It's a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.

How to watch American Idol 2021 online in Canada

Fans in Canada are in luck, too, as Citytv is airing new episodes of American Idol 2021 on Sundays, at the same time they go out in the US - that's 8pm ET/PT.

If you miss a live broadcast, you can catch new episodes for FREE on Citytv’s online platform a day after they air... but you'll need to enter your TV provider details first.

Out of the country when American Idol is on? Simply grab a VPN as described above and continue to watch episodes online, just as if you were at home.

How to watch American Idol 2021 online in the UK

There's no word yet on when the new series of American Idol will hit the UK screen - so for now you'll have to make do with the American Idol 2020 Collection that's currently available to stream on Netflix.

However, anyone from North America who's in the UK right now should remember they can tap into their local TV coverage and watch American Idol live by using a VPN.

Can you watch American Idol 2021 in Australia?

Sorry, Aussie mates - Foxtel dropped the rights to air the popular talent show Down Under after season 17, and we don't know of any way to watch American Idol in Australia live.

The exception is anyone currently in Australia from abroad. If that's you and you've travelled from a country you can watch American Idol 2021 online, then working some VPN magic as discussed above will let you watch the show like you normally would at home.

American Idol 2021 auditions and schedule

American Idol season 19 is likely to follow a similar schedule to season 17, since the early months of the pandemic led to a shortened season 18.

Here is our best estimate of the American Idol 2021 schedule:

Week 1 (Feb. 14): Auditions

Week 2 (Feb. 21): Auditions

Week 3 (Feb. 28): Auditions

Week 4 (March 7): Auditions

Week 5 (March 14): Auditions

Week 6 (March 21): Hollywood Week

Week 7 (March 28): Hollywood Week

Week 8 (April 4): Showcase/final judgment

Week 9 (April 11): Top 20 perform

Week 10 (April 18): Top 14 perform

Week 11 (April 25): Top 10 perform

Week 12 (May 2): Top 8 perform

Week 13 (May 9): Top 6 perform

Week 14 (May 16): Top 5 perform

Week 15 (May 23): Finale with Top 3

How can I audition for American Idol 2021?

The search for the next singing sensation has ended. For information and to register for the “Idol Across America” virtual auditions, head to www.americanidol.com/auditions.

How do you vote for American Idol?

Fans of American Idol who are at least 13 and reside in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, can vote online at AmericanIdol.com/vote, in the American Idol app or via text.

Who won American Idol 2020?

The winner of American Idol 2020 was Just Sam, née Samantha Diaz, who is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Harlem, New York. Prior to American Idol, Just Sam spent a lot of her time singing in subways, earning money to help support her grandmother, who had adopted her. Because of her grandmother’s age, when American Idol went virtual as a result of the COVID-19 protocols, Just Sam stayed in Los Angeles to keep her grandmother safe. Before American Idol, Just Sam had auditioned for America’s Got Talent and The Voice, but didn’t make it through the selection process.

“Literally, I could have walked away with nothing and been OK, but I walked away with everything,” Just Sam told Parade.com after her win. “Wow! This is more than a dream come true. I am so grateful to have given this gift to my grandmother.”

Who was in second place on American Idol 2020?

The second-place winner on American Idol 2020 was Arthur Gunn, a 22-year-old Nepalese-American singer-songwriter from Wichita, Kansas. Since finishing Idol, Gunn has released a seven-track album, Self-Titled, in July.

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