Report: ‘American Idol’ Location Change Shakes Up Season 25
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American Idol is leaving Los Angeles ahead of its 25th season.
A new report issued by Deadline indicates that American Idol is leaving its longtime production home and relocating due to budget incentives.
According to the outlet, Idol is the latest show to leave Tinseltown, likely due to California’s lack of production tax incentives. Numerous unscripted shows have moved out of California. The Masked Singer moved to New Jersey, where unscripted television shows can claim “production tax incentives of 30% on qualified expenses with up to 40% on certain studio projects.”
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The outlet shared that the Golden State expanded certain tax credits, but they weren’t enough to keep American Idol in the state. The new credits were available to “large-scale competition shows” with a minimum per-episode budget of $1 million, of which Idol does not qualify.
Where is American Idol production moving to?
Deadline reports that American Idol will be produced from the Atlanta, Georgia, area. While final contracts have yet to be signed, the outlet wrote that the show is in final talks with a studio in Atlanta.
The move is the latest in a series of big changes for the long-running show. Carrie Underwood replaced judge Katy Perry in 2024. In 2026, Idol no longer had its iconic Hollywood Week, instead moving that stage of competition to Nashville. And the introduction of social media voting added a new element to the results component of the competition in Season 24.
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Season 25 of American Idol is expected to premiere in early 2027. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, are expected to return, though a formal announcement has not been made.
American Idol Auditions Are Underway
Hopefuls wanting to audition for the next season of American Idol are encouraged to sign up at AmericanIdol.com. A nationwide search is currently underway to find the next Idol.
Casting producers are holding auditions via Zoom as part of their “Idol Across America” campaign. A lucky few will be invited to audition live in front of judges and producers in hopes of earning a coveted Golden Ticket and a place on season 25.
