Here's How 'American Idol' Auditions Will Be Different Due to COVID-19

Production has begun on the upcoming fourth season of ABC’s version of American Idol and a new report has revealed how the audition episodes will be different due to COVID-19.

American Idol was one of the first shows to change things up due to the pandemic earlier this year, moving to remote shows filmed at each of the contestants’ homes for the live rounds.

Now, all of the audition episodes will be filmed at locations across California and contestants are traveling from all over the country to be there. Deadline reports that FremantleMedia has “put in place rigorous health and safety protocols to ensure that the set is as safe as possible.”

Cast and crew are being tested in accordance to all of the guidelines and everyone must wear masks on set when they aren’t on camera.

The judges – Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan – are no longer sitting at the same table. They each will have their own tables to keep with social distancing.