American Idol is reportedly unlikely to film any new in-studio Season 18 episodes given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
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The next episode will determine the remaining Top 20 contestants for American Idol's 18th edition.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, ABC has decided to delay the season's live shows and slowly roll out one episode per week to buy additional time to reach a solution on how to best proceed with the Top 20 contestants, who were originally supposed to sing live for America's votes beginning on Monday, April 6.
American Idol producers recently sent the crew the following email, according to TMZ: "As we continue to monitor advice from federal and local agencies, it seems unlikely we are going to be able to make it back into the studio for this season of American Idol."
"We will continue to monitor and provide updates should any changes occur," the email continued. "In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy. We are looking forward to the day we can all work together again."
According to TMZ sources, American Idol reportedly still intends to continue this season's competition but judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will participate from their respective homes and viewers will ultimately decide who gets eliminated.
After the next episode airs, American Idol will feature special broadcasts that will run on April 12 and April 19 titled American Idol: This Is Me, Variety reported.
The specials will reportedly explore the lives of the Top 20 contestants this season with previously-unaired footage and performance highlights.
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Given Katy is pregnant with her first child, she and her fiance Orlando Bloom are reportedly taking extra precautions.
"[Katy] seems more cautious since she is pregnant" amid the rapid spread of COVID-19, an insider told People.
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"Orlando is back at home. He isn't sick. Katy is well too. They will spend time at home together and monitor the situation. They are happy to be back in the U.S. They have no plans to work for now and will instead lay low."
Orlando reportedly recently traveled back to the United States from Europe after production on his show Carnival Row was postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
The latest episode of American Idol featured Katy, Luke and Lionel sending eight contestants from the Top 40 through to the live shows following a Showcase Round of solo performances that was filmed in front of a big, cheering crowd in Hawaii in January.
The following singers were shown advancing to the Top 20 on Sunday night's episode: Faith Becnel, a 20-year-old server from Destrehan, LA; DeWayne Crocker Jr., a 23-year-old worship leader from Pensacola, FL; and Louis Knight, a 19-year-old pizza delivery guy from Philadelphia, PA.
Francisco Martin, a 19-year-old college student from San Francisco, CA, also made it through, in addition to Nick Merico, a 24-year-old server from Woodland Hills, CA; Just Sam, a 21-year-old subway singer from Harlem, NY; Jovin Webb, a 29-year-old musician from Gonzales, LA; and Jonny West, a 23-year-old piano teacher from Murietta, CA.
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The coronavirus outbreak has led many American states to shut down restaurants, bars, schools, and businesses and restrict gathering sizes as the number of cases rises.
The coronavirus pandemic has also affected production schedules of dozens of other television shows, including The Bachelorette, Survivor and The Amazing Race.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
