ABC'S 'AMERICAN IDOL' HITS THE ROAD

Auditions to Take Place in 20 Cities Across America

Simultaneous East and West Bus Tours Begin Saturday, Aug. 25, in Orlando, Florida, and San Diego, California

Following the success of the first season of "American Idol" on ABC, which crowned Iowa-native Maddie Poppe on its May 21 grand finale, America's beloved singing competition series announced today the list of audition cities for the network's second season. The nationwide search for the next superstar kicks off SATURDAY, AUG. 25, as the Idol Bus jumps into gear across America, offering hopefuls the chance to audition for a shot at superstardom.

Kicking off simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, and San Diego, California, "American Idol" will search every corner of the nation in its pursuit for talent. In addition to auditioning in-person, hopefuls can also submit audition videos online via www.americanidol.com/auditions or by showing off their talent via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Musical.ly using the hashtag #TheNextIdol.

"American Idol" returns to The ABC Television Network for the 2018-2019 season. Returning to help find next singing sensation are music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy(R)-winning producer Ryan Seacrest will also return as host.

"American Idol" auditions will be held as follows with additional cities being added in the coming weeks (subject to change):

Tour Stops

Orlando, FL - Aug 25

San Diego, CA - Aug 25

Chattanooga, TN - Aug 28

Scottsdale, AZ - Aug 28

Charlotte, NC - Aug 31

Albuquerque, NM - Aug 31

Seattle, WA - Aug 31

Boise, ID - Sep 2

Richmond, VA - Sep 3

Plano, TX - Sep 3

Houston, TX - Sep 4

Austin, TX - Sep 6

Philadelphia, PA - Sep 6

Oklahoma City, OK - Sep 6

Buffalo, NY - Sep 9

Kansas City MO - Sep 9

Shreveport, LA - Sep 9

Columbus, OH - Sep 12

Little Rock, AR - Sep 12

Charleston, WV - Sep 15

You must be at least 15 years old to audition. Please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions for more details on specific audition locations, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, terms and conditions.

"American Idol" is produced by FremantleMedia North America and CORE Media Group's 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America's Trish Kinane, serving as showrunner, Jennifer Mullin and Megan Wolflick, along with executive producer Phil McIntyre representing CORE Media. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.

About ABC Entertainment

ABC Entertainment airs compelling programming across all day parts, including the No. 1 new drama on television, "The Good Doctor," and the return of "American Idol"; in addition to upcoming new dramas "A Million Little Things" and "The Rookie," starring Nathan Fillion; new comedies "The Kids Are Alright" and "Single Parents"; and the new prime-time talk show, "The Alec Baldwin Show." The ABC Television Network is also home to the groundbreaking dramas "How to Get Away with Murder" and "Grey's Anatomy"; the Emmy(R)Award-winning "Modern Family" and trailblazing comedy favorites "black-ish," "American Housewife," "Fresh Off the Boat," "The Goldbergs," "Speechless" and midseason breakout, "Splitting Up Together"; hit game shows "The $100,000 Pyramid," "Celebrity Family Feud," "Match Game" and "To Tell the Truth"; reality phenomenon "Shark Tank," iconic "The Bachelor" franchise, long-running hits "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos"; "General Hospital," which has aired for over 50 years on the network; and late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The network also boasts some of television's most prestigious awards shows, including "The Oscars(R)," "The CMA Awards" and "The American Music Awards."

About FremantleMedia North America

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. arm of global media giant FremantleMedia. A powerhouse in scripted and non-scripted content, FremantleMedia also comprises a distribution arm, FremantleMedia International, as well as a digital and branded entertainment division. As one of the world's largest and most successful creators, producers and distributors of TV brands in the world, FremantleMedia's comprehensive global network has operations in 31 countries, creating over 10,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 45 formats and managing over 350 individual titles. The company also distributes more than 20,000 hours of content in over 200 territories. For more information follow us @FMNATV and visit our Facebook page.

About CORE Media Group

CORE Media Group is a leading independent media and entertainment company that creates quality programming for linear television and digital platforms. Through partnerships with well-established industry leaders including Sharp Entertainment, as well as B-17 Entertainment and its newly formed digital studio Thumb Candy, the company creates additional multi-platform programming of various genres for audiences nationwide. Through CORE's 19 Entertainment, it co-produces "American Idol," the gold standard of music competition programs, and the enduring franchise, "So You Think You Can Dance" (returning on FOX for a 15th season). Other recent television series under the CORE umbrella include "The Wall" for NBC and Sharp Entertainment's "90 Day Fiancé" franchise for TLC. Additionally, CORE's 19 Recordings has been a part of the successful music careers of platinum artists Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and Lauren Alaina, just to name a few.