ABC reveals 'American Idol' live show rollout, announces momentous coast-to-coast simul-vote

Following a successful new season launch, in which its Sunday premiere dominated the time period and ranked as the night’s No. 1 broadcast program among adults 18-49 on each telecast, “American Idol” is set to kick off its iconic live performances and America’s vote from Los Angeles starting Sunday, April 14 (8-10 p.m. EDT, live-to-tape episode), on The ABC Television Network. The season’s first all-live performance show will air Monday, April 15 (8-10 p.m. EDT), and the schedule continues with live shows on Sundays only for five consecutive weeks.

In its inaugural season on ABC, “American Idol” set the stage as the first reality-competition series in the history of American television to allow viewers to watch and vote from both coasts simultaneously, as the series was simulcast in all time zones across the country over a three-week span. Starting Sunday, April 21 (8 p.m. EDT), viewers at home will yet again be able to help determine the fate of this season’s “Idol” hopefuls via the coast-to-coast simul-vote, which will also be extended to the show’s Sunday, May 19, finale event, marking another historic first.

As the country prepares to take the fate of “American Idol’s” budding superstars into its own hands, all-new episodes next week feature the show’s iconic “Hollywood Week” rounds at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

Helping to find the next singing sensation are music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy-winning producer Ryan Seacrest returns as host, and famed multimedia personality Bobby Bones takes on the role of in-house mentor for the all-new season.

Fans can learn more about “American Idol” at:

• Facebook: @americanidol
• Instagram: @AmericanIdol
• Twitter: @AmericanIdol
• Hashtag: #americanidol
• Website: AmericanIdol.com