American Idol is leaving Hollywood behind for its upcoming 25th season, with production moving from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area in Georgia. The major change comes after more than two decades of production in Hollywood, with returning host Ryan Seacrest and judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie expected to return when the series premieres in 2027.
via The Wrap:
The series joins a growing slate of productions leaving California as it becomes increasingly expensive to shoot in the Golden State. Several game shows, including “The Floor,” “Beat Shazam” and “Name That Tune,” have even taken their production outside of the country.
For “American Idol,” though, Hollywood was in its DNA. The judging panel would hand out physical Golden Tickets during the initial audition round that were contestants entry to Hollywood Week. As production moves to Atlanta, the iconic moment in the show’s history will look different.
“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle with Sony Pictures Television-backed 19 Entertainment. The production company has reportedly been in talks with a studio in the Atlanta area but has not yet signed the deal.
