HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW SEASON OF ABC'S 'AMERICAN IDOL' KICKS OFF WITH A STAR-STUDDED PREMIERE WEEK

SPECIAL LOOK AT THE JUDGES' STOP IN IDAHO REVEALED

Last summer, the "American Idol" bus visited 24 cities across the nation in search of a superstar. As previously announced, viewers at home will be able to follow the inspiring journey starting SUNDAY, MARCH 3 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network, when the first crop of Idol hopefuls audition for their shot at a ticket to Hollywood. The cross-country audition tour will move forward with an all-new episode on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), rounding out a talent-filled premiere week. New episodes will continue on Sunday, starting MARCH 10 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), and adds Mondays for five consecutive weeks, starting MARCH 18 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT).

ABC revealed today a special look at the "American Idol" judges' first-ever trip to Idaho in search of a star:

"American Idol" is returning to The ABC Television Network after first making its return to airwaves as the No. 1 reality show launch for its inaugural season on the network during the 2017-2018 season. Helping to find the 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, and famed multimedia personality Bobby Bones will take on the role of in-house mentor.

"American Idol" is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media's 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle's Trish Kinane, also serving as showrunner, Jennifer Mullin, Megan Wolflick and Industrial Media's Chris Anokute. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.

About ABC Entertainment

ABC Entertainment airs compelling programming across all day parts, including the new dramas "A Million Little Things" and "The Rookie," starring Nathan Fillion; new comedies "The Conners," "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 "The Good Doctor," "How to Get Away with Murder" and "Grey's Anatomy"; the Emmy Award-winning "Modern Family" and trailblazing comedy favorites "black-ish," "American Housewife," "Fresh Off the Boat," "The Goldbergs," "Speechless" and "Splitting Up Together"; hit game shows "The $100,000 Pyramid," "Celebrity Family Feud," "Match Game" and "To Tell the Truth"; star-making sensation "American Idol"; 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." ABC's multiplatform business initiative also allows viewers to watch current episodes of their favorite ABC shows anytime, anywhere on ABC.com and the ABC app for desktop, smartphone, tablet or connected TV devices.

About Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the largest and most successful creators, producers and distributors of scripted and unscripted content in the world. A global entertainment powerhouse, Fremantle has an outstanding international network of production teams, companies and labels in over 30 countries. Fremantle produces in excess of 12,000 hours of original programming, roll out more than 60 formats and air 450 programs a year worldwide. The group distributes over 20,000 hours of content in more than 200 territories. Fremantle is also a world leader in digital and branded entertainment, with more than 300 million subscribers across 1,400 social channels and over 100 billion views across all platforms. Fremantle is part of RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, content and digital, itself a division of the international media giant Bertelsmann.

About Industrial Media's 19 Entertainment

Industrial Media is an independent production group launched with the reorganization of CORE Media and the acquisition of The Intellectual Property Corporation. Through its ownership interests in established industry leaders including Sharp Entertainment, The Intellectual Property Corporation, B-17 Entertainment, Thumb Candy, and 19 Entertainment, Industrial Media produces high-quality programming for linear television and digital platforms reaching audiences worldwide. Key programs include the global hit "American Idol" co-produced by 19 Entertainment for ABC and "So You Think You Can Dance" co-produced by 19 Entertainment for Fox, Sharp Entertainment's "90 Day Fiancé" franchise for TLC and IPC's Emmy-winning hit documentary series "Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath" for A&E. Industrial Media group companies produce over 40 series across 22 networks annually. Additionally, Industrial Media's 19 Recordings has launched the music careers of platinum artists including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Phillip Phillips, Lauren Alaina and recent "American Idol" winner Maddie Poppe. Industrial Media is backed by the private equity firm Crestview Partners, BlackRock Asset Management, and the United Talent Agency. For more details, visit www.industrial-media.com.