American Idol fame touched Asheville once. Could it happen again?
The popular singing contest show will come to the ABC network in 2018 and the American Idol audition bus will roll into Asheville for auditions Aug. 27. The show formerly aired on Fox.
Those auditions will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at 68 Haywood St., City-owned property being repurposed this summer for temporary uses.
The open auditions are likely to be held outside. They will be open to anyone between the ages of 15-28 who wants to take their shot at being the next American Idol.
Asheville native Caleb Johnson earned the distinction during the show’s 13th season. The 2009 Erwin High grad won in 2014. Johnson has gone on to make many appearances and performances nationwide. In January, his label PledgeMusic released a Johnson EP titled “Born from Southern Ground.”
Johnson is scheduled to perform Aug. 26 in Asheville during BaconFest, 1 to 4 p.m. at Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville. With that being the day before the Asheville American Idol auditions, it seems likely he could be on hand for the auditions.
City of Asheville Economic Development Specialist Jon Fillman coordinates the permitting of special events, including this one. He has to consider many logistics before issuing a permit, such as what other events are going on that day (in this case, OrganicFest in Pack Square Park).
“American Idol was specifically interested in an outdoor space located within an urban environment,” Fillman said. “Ultimately, American Idol decided to move forward with 68 Haywood in downtown Asheville as their first choice and we’re pleased the opening of the property has remained on schedule for a permit to be issued.”
To audition
- Contestants must be 15-28 years old, legal U.S. residents and not already signed to a label. Find out more about the requirements at go.com/shows/american-idol.
- Here is the link to sign up for the open-call auditions, such as the one to be held in Asheville:
- http://abc.go.com/shows/american-idol/audition-alerts.
- To submit an online application: Visit go.com/shows/american-idol/online-auditions.
Pop singer Katy Perry has signed on to be a judge this year. And yes, host Ryan Seacrest will be back.
