*AMERICAN IDOL*: 45 Remote Locations for “Live” Shows
Written by KingCnote on April 21, 2020
American Idol returns with “live” shows. On the first show back on Sunday, half the contestants will be eliminated. Followed by three, “cutthroat” shows when eventually the American Idol will be crowned.
These four quarantine episodes have become a logistical nightmare. Producers must virtually connect 20 contestants from around the country with judges in Los Angeles and Nashville, mentor Bobby Bones and each member of the in-house Idol band. Altogether, there are about 45 remote locations all coordinated from a Kansas City control studio.
Ryan Seacrest pulled from storage the original American Idol desk when it ran on FOX-TV. He’s placed that desk in his Los Angeles living room, where he will anchor “Quarantine Idol.”
To level the field, each singer will record “live” performances with iPhones and lighting kits provided by the Idol production team. They’ve been coached on wardrobe, hair and make-up. Pre-taping avoids technical glitches and allows editors to confirm the performances are “broadcast-ready.” (Variety)