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American Idol has been renewed for season 19

Photo credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Image
Photo credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Image

From Digital Spy

American Idol has been renewed for season 19, its fourth on current network ABC.

According to TVLine, season 18 of the singing competition experienced a drop in viewing figures as a result of the "at home" episodes. However, this hasn't stopped ABC bringing the show back for another run.

With production shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic, American Idol has found an alternative way to finish off season 18, with this Sunday's (May 17) finale only partially airing live.

Photo credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Image
Photo credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Image

The final will see two of the remaining contestants eliminated. One of the remaining five will then be crowned the winner of this year's series.

For the two-hour event, all three judges – Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan – will perform for the audiences, as will special guests Cynthia Erivo and Lauren Daigle.

Former winners and finalists of the show – Alejandro Aranda, Fantasia, Gabby Barrett, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Laine Hardy, Lauren Alaina, Phillip Phillips, Ruben Studdard and Scotty McCreery – will also feature, joining Lionel Richie for a new, special rendition of 'We Are the World'.

Photo credit: Eric Liebowitz via Getty Images
Photo credit: Eric Liebowitz via Getty Images

Related: Katy Perry collapses on set during American Idol auditions

American Idol managed to continue airing its partially live shows by having the three judges beam in via video link.

Lionel Richie and Katy Perry appeared on the show from the comfort of their homes in California, while Luke Bryan called in from Nashville, Tennessee. Presenters Ryan Seacrest and Bobby Bones were also able to continue their involvement in the show.

American Idol's finale will on Sunday, May 17 on ABC.


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