https://www.google.com/amp/amp.oreg...s/20859892/american_idol_reboot_starts_au.amp "American Idol" is returning to TV, on a new network, ABC. West Coast auditions for the new season kick off in Portland. (ABC) "American Idol" is coming back to TV, and it might just bring a little bit of Portland with it. The long-running talent competition first hit the U.S. airwaves 15 years ago, and was at one time such a ratings-dominating, competition-crushing blockbuster for Fox that the show was nicknamed the "Death Star." But ratings declined, and Fox canceled "American Idol." Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Harry Connick Jr. Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban signed off in 2016. But if there's anything TV has taught us, it's that goodbye doesn't mean a forever farewell. With barely enough time passed for us to miss it, ABC is reviving "American Idol" for 2018. Details are still being finalized, but ABC has announced that pop star Katy Perry will be a judgeon the new "American Idol." The search for the next group of would-be stars begins Thursday, Aug. 17 in Portland, in the West, and Orlando, Florida, in the East. In addition to Portland and Orlando, the 19-city tour will take the "Idol" talent hunt to Oakland, Calif.; Provo, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Muscle Shoals, Albama on the "West Bus Tour." The "East Bus Tour" is scheduled to visit Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Asheville, North Carolina; Louisville, Kentucky; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Annapolis, Maryland; and Boston, Massachusetts. There will also be open auditions in Chicago, Illinois, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Think you have what it takes to be the next Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson or Adam Lambert? As the press release says, you must be at least 15 years old to audition. You can find details on audition specifics, eligibility requirements, submission forms and more at americanidol.com. You can audition in person, or submit an audition video online at americanidol.com. According to the press release, you can also show your stuff via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Musical.ly, using the hashtag #TheNextIdol. If you're so inclined, here are the social media homes for "American Idol":
Carrie Underwood is a terrible idea for judge. I wish they had gotten Kelly and JHud. Carrie doesn't seem all that smart and she's not much of an artist.
