American Idol 2019: When it Starts and How to Watch

http://bit.ly/2GLryX5

American Idol returns in 2019 to crown another potential superstar. For season 17, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie return as celebrity judges. Here, we'll explain when you can watch the new singing competition, and how.

In 2002, Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol. The competition became a pre-social media sensation for its entertaining audition process, in which potential contestants are judged by a celebrity panel. Since the beginning, Ryan Seacrest has served as the American Idol host, and the show's structure has evolved over the years to incorporate both musical icons and trending artists of today. After the initial audition process, selected American Idol contestants compete in "Hollywood Week," and those who make it through ultimately participate in a series of live shows.

Of course, American Idol is returning in 2019. Here's everything you need to know about when and how to watch.

When Does America Idol Return In 2019 For Season 17?

American Idol season 17 will premiere on March 3, 2019 at 8/7c. Described as "a new journey," the latest installment will feature radio host Bobby Bones as a celebrity mentor. Last season, Bones helped the contestants with celebrity duets, and he also won the latest Dancing With the Stars competition alongside Australian ballroom dancer Sharna Burgess. On American Idol, Bones will be joined by mentor Skip Marley, a 22-year-old musician and the grandson of reggae icon Bob Marley.

American Idol will air every Sunday night. To begin, five nights of audition episodes have officially been scheduled, with the first taking place on March 3 (the premiere date), followed by a second group on Wednesday, March 6. After another round of auditions on March 10 and March 17 (both Sundays), the fifth episode will air on Monday, March 18. Beyond that, audiences can expect American Idol to continue every Sunday night at 8/7c, followed by results shows on Mondays.

How To Watch American Idol Season 17

For the second straight season, American Idol will air on ABC. The show had finished after 15 seasons on Fox, with the last episode airing on April 7, 2016. The program's host, Seacrest, teased a possible revival during his last on-air Fox moment, and the series was later picked up by ABC just over one year later. American Idol made its triumphant return on March 11, 2018.

To stream American Idol season 17, cable subscribers can log into ABC.com or use the ABC application through a platform such as Roku. In addition, American Idol can be accessed through HuluLive, Sling TV, and DIRECTV NOW.