American Idol contestants will no longer be headed to Hollywood for the show’s upcoming milestone season. The long-running ABC singing competition is relocating its production base from California to Georgia for Season 25, a move confirmed by E! News in September.
Major Production Shift for Season 25
For more than two decades, the phrase “going to Hollywood” has been synonymous with advancing in the American Idol competition. That tradition is ending as the series prepares for its 25th anniversary season. The production is packing up from its longtime California home and setting up shop in Georgia, marking one of the most significant logistical changes in the show’s history.
The relocation aligns with a broader trend of major television productions moving to Georgia to take advantage of the state’s competitive film tax credits and established production infrastructure. Atlanta and surrounding areas have become a primary hub for film and television, hosting everything from Marvel blockbusters to hit streaming series.
What This Means for Contestants and the Show
While the iconic “Hollywood Week” branding may change, the competition structure—auditions, callbacks, and live performance rounds—is expected to remain intact. Contestants who earn a ticket from the initial audition cities will now travel to Georgia for the next phase of the competition instead of Los Angeles.
ABC has not yet announced whether the show will rebrand the middle rounds with a new location-specific name or retain the familiar “Hollywood Week” moniker as a legacy term. The network is expected to release further details on the Season 25 premiere date, judges’ panel, and host Ryan Seacrest’s return closer to the broadcast window.
Season 25 of American Idol is slated to air on ABC in 2026.
