‘American Idol’ Season 18 — Photos

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March 19, 2021 9:40AM EDT

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‘American Idol’ Season 18

‘American Idol’ Season 18 — ‘American Idol’ season 18 premieres Feb. 16 on ABC. All-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie are returning this season, as well as Ryan Seacrest as the beloved host. Famed multimedia personality and ‘Dancing With the Stars’ champion’ Bobby Bones will return to his role as in-house mentor. In the highly anticipated premiere episode, viewers will embark on a nation-wide journey across Savannah, Georgia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, California; and Sunriver, Oregon, where the show’s iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences with never-before-seen twists. Those auditioning for the coveted ticket to Hollywood include a subway performer from Harlem who gives one of the most emotional auditions in ‘Idol’ history and a garbage collector with no experience who heads to the streets of Savannah, alongside host Ryan Seacrest, to warm up for his audition. See more photos of ‘American Idol’ season 18 in our gallery now.

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JUST SAM

JUST SAM — Just Sam celebrates with her grandmother via FaceTime after being named the winner of season 18 of ‘American Idol.’ She won the competition on May 17, with Arthur Gunn coming in second place.

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Katy Perry

Katy Perry — Katy Perry is back as a judge this season. This marks the 13-time Grammy nominee’s third season as a judge.

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Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie — Lionel Richie returns to the judges’ table in season 18. The 4-time Grammy winner is ready to impart more wisdom on the contestants and find music’s next big thing.

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Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan — Country music’s beloved Luke Bryan is back to judge the new season of ‘American Idol.’ His new album ‘Born Here, Live Here, Die Here’ is set to be released in April 2020.

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Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest — Ryan Seacrest is balancing it all once again as the host of ‘American Idol.’ He’s been with both the original and rebooted versions of the series. He’s also the current co-host of ‘Live with Kelly & Ryan.’

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Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones — Bobby Bones will serve as the in-house mentor this season. He was the in-house mentor last season and stepped in for Ryan Seacrest as a guest host for an episode.

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Katy Perry & Luke Bryan In The Season 18 Premiere

Katy Perry & Luke Bryan In The Season 18 Premiere — Katy Perry & Luke Bryan watch a contestant perform during the season 18 premiee. They’re on the lookout for America’s next music superstar.

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Lionel Richie With Doug Kiker

Lionel Richie With Doug Kiker — Lionel Richie stands next to contestant Doug Kiker during the season 18 auditions. The premiere will feature auditions all over the country.

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Louis Knight

Louis Knight — Louis Knight shows off his skills during the season 18 auditions. He performs an original song.

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Louis Knight During Showcase Round

Louis Knight During Showcase Round — Louis Knight hits the stage to perform an Ed Sheeran song during the Showcase Round of ‘American Idol.’ His performance earned him a spot in the top 20.

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Nick Merico During Showcase Round

Nick Merico During Showcase Round — Nick Merico impresses the crowd in Hawaii during the showcase round on ‘American Idol.’ He was chosen to be in the top 20 by the judges during the final judgement.

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Makayla Brownlee

Makayla Brownlee — Makayla Brownlee hits the stage in Hawaii for the showcase round of ‘American Idol.’ Unfortunately, she wasn’t selected as one of the 20 singers moving onto the next round.

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‘American Idol’ Top 40

‘American Idol’ Top 40 — Members of the ‘American Idol’ top 40 for season 18 pose for a photo together in Hawaii. They got to spend some time on the beach before performing the showcase round.

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Bobby Bones & Jonny West

Bobby Bones & Jonny West — Jonny West has a conversation with Bobby Bones before performing during the showcase round on ‘American Idol.’ The pep talk worked — because Jonny was selected as a member of the top 20!

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Arthur Gunn

Arthur Gunn — Arthur Gunn rocks out on stage during the showcase round on season 18 of ‘American Idol.’ He impressed the judges and the crowd to earn a spot in the top 20.

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Sophia Wackerman

Sophia Wackerman — Sophia Wackerman dances it out onstage during the showcase round on season 18 of ‘American Idol.’ Her performance earned her a spot in the top 20, while half of the contestants were eliminated.

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‘American Idol’ Judges in Hawaii

‘American Idol’ Judges in Hawaii — The ‘American idol’ judges and hosts pose with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Hawaii. The group was in Hawaii for the showcase round and final judgement of season 18.

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Lauren Mascitti & Grace Leer

Lauren Mascitti & Grace Leer — Lauren Mascitti & Grace Leer meet with the judges during the final judgement on se

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