20 seasons of creating stars: 'American Idol' celebrates milestone season

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, showrunner Megan Wolflick and ABC executives Craig Erwich and Rob Mills toast in celebration of 5th season on ABC and momentous 20th season overall

√ ‘American Idol’ returns to ABC in 2022

Music industry legends and all-star “American Idol” judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, along with Emmy-winning producer and host Ryan Seacrest, toasted the show’s upcoming fifth season on ABC and milestone 20th season overall with a special cake-cutting celebration in Los Angeles on Sunday. They were joined by “American Idol” executive producers, and Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, and Rob Mills, executive vice president, unscripted and alternative entertainment, Walt Disney Television.

“American Idol” hopefuls still have a chance to audition this season as “Idol Across America” remote virtual auditions continue with nationwide open calls on Oct. 26 and 28. To sign up for a chance to virtually audition in front of an “American Idol” producer, visit www.americanidol.com/auditions.

Last season, ABC’s “American Idol” ranked as the No. 1 series in its two-hour time period for the second year in a row among adults 18-49. In addition, “American Idol” finished among the Top 5 unscripted series last season with total viewers (No. 4).

Fans can follow “American Idol” (#AmericanIdol) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.