What Are Platinum Tickets? American Idol's New Twist for 2022's Season 20 Explained

American Idol is upping things for the 20th season of the show, and introducing Platinum Tickets for those auditioning for the show.

In a new sizzle reel, the series opens up about what the Platinum Ticket actually does for hopefuls during the audition rounds.

Click inside to read more about them…

The 20th season will introduce nine platinum tickets — three in Nashville, three in Austin and three in Los Angeles – which will not only give them a straight ticket to Hollywood, but also some more things.

“This ticket gives them the ability to go to Hollywood Week, which we’ve already filmed and was so rigorous and survival of the fittest, and they get to basically observe from the box seats at the theater — one day, they get to rest their voice, strategize, check out the competition and select who they want to duet with,” Katy Perry shared, via The Wrap.

She adds, “They get a tiny advantage because they’re the cream of the crop.”

She, and fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were unanimous about the recipients of the platinum tickets.

“For me, it was just the fact that they’re just naturals,” Lionel explained. “Some people walk out and they’re stars, they have all the boxes ticked: stage presence, delivery, their sound, their style. They have it all there so that when they open their mouths you know exactly who they are as artists. It just rings that bell. And when that happens you just give them the platinum ticket as fast as you can.”

Ryan Seacrest will be back as host for the series, premiering February 27, at 8 p.m.

If you missed it, find out why Bobby Bones will not be back.