ABC is rearranging its schedule for American Idol was the network ponders what to do about the live shows amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The network will air pre-taped episodes on March 29 and April 5 rather than airing both episodes in the same week. The live shows were set to begin on April 6 but this is no longer the case. Airing the pre-taped episodes gives ABC a little more time to decide how they’ll tackle the live shows for the reality singing program.
ABC is said to monitoring the situation in regards to the live shows and exploring various options within statewide guidelines. This could include doing the live shows without an audience and just having the finalists, judges and crew on hand or another option tossed around is having the finalists perform remotely from their homes with the judges giving live commentary. This is essentially the new normal for now as shows like this grapple with what to do next.
The network plans on buying even more time by airing two special episodes of the show called American Idol: This Is Me. These specials, set to air on April 12 and April 19, are said to explore the lives of the top 20 contestants this season. The specials will have previously unaired footage and performance highlights.
