ABC TO AIR 'AMERICAN IDOL: A NEW JOURNEY BEGINS' SPECIAL ON OSCAR(R) SUNDAY

SPECIAL 'IDOL' PERFORMANCE FEATURING CONTESTANTS FROM THE ALL-NEW SEASON TO AIR DURING THE 91st OSCARS BROADCAST ON SUNDAY, FEB. 24

ABC is rolling out the red carpet, showcasing a 30-minute promotional special "American Idol: A New Journey Begins" on Oscar Sunday, FEB. 24, ahead of the highly anticipated award show. In the special, host Ryan Seacrest sits down with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie to discuss the return of the iconic series and share a preview of this year's crop of new talent. Additionally, the panel will answer fan questions and share behind-the-scenes secrets. The special will join the previously announced "Whiskey Cavalier" sneak preview in rounding out a star-studded Oscar Sunday.

Below is the full Oscar Sunday schedule:

SUNDAY, FEB. 24

EASTERN STANDARD TIME
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - "Oscars Countdown: The Red Carpet LIVE!"
4:00 - 4:30 p.m. - "American Idol: A New Journey Begins"
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. - "Oscars Opening Ceremony: Live From the Red Carpet"
8:00 - 11:00 p.m. - "The Oscars"
11:35 p.m. - 12:35 a.m. - "Whiskey Cavalier" - "Pilot: Sneak Peek"

PACIFIC STANDARD TIME
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - "Oscars Countdown: The Red Carpet LIVE!"
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. - "American Idol: A New Journey Begins"
3:30 - 5:00 p.m. - "Oscars Opening Ceremony: Live From the Red Carpet"
5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - "The Oscars"
10:00 - 11:00 p.m. - "Whiskey Cavalier" - "Pilot: Sneak Peek"

In addition to a behind-the-scenes look at "American Idol," viewers at home will also be treated to a momentous musical performance featuring auditionees from the upcoming premiere episode. Set in one of the most iconic locations - the heart of Hollywood - this rooftop musical production will be shown during the live broadcast of the 91st Oscars and will include a special appearance by Ryan Seacrest.

About "American Idol"

"American Idol" is returning to The ABC Television Network on SUNDAY, MARCH 3 (8:00 - 10:00 p.m. EST), 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. The beloved singing competition series recently completed its open call Bus Tour auditions, visiting 24 cities across the country in a nationwide search for the next superstar.

"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.