American Idol will be making history and begin airing live across America starting next week.
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The nationwide live broadcasts -- which will result in Idol airing before primetime from 5-7PM PT in the West Coast time zone -- will ensure viewers across the country will be able to have their votes count during the season's finals rounds, which will combine performances and elimination results in a single broadcast.
The move will mark the first time an American reality competition series will air live nationwide and allow viewers across the country to all watch simultaneously.
Viewers will be able to cast their votes by text, on AmericanIdol.com, or through the American Idol app.
"We set out on a journey to find the best talent this nation has to offer," ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey said in a statement.
"As we head into the next phase of the American Idol competition, it only makes sense to let every viewer from coast to coast experience the magic of live television and have the ability to vote for America's next superstar."
The competition currently has 14 contestants in the running to be crowned the next "American Idol."
Those contestants are Gabby Barrett, Cade Foehner, Mara Justine, Michael J. Woodard, Jurnee Weathers, Marcio Donaldson, Dennis Lorenzo, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Catie Turner, Garrett Jacobs, Jonny Brenns, and Maddie Poppe.
But by the end of the next April 23 episode -- which will feature another set of live performances as well as results -- only the Top 10 artists will remain.
American Idol is hosted by Ryan Seacrest, with Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie serving as judges.
American Idol is produced by FremantleMedia North America and CORE Media Group's 19 Entertainment with Trish Kinane, Jennifer Mullin, and Phil McIntyre serving as executive producers.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
