American Idol knew the show must go on. In order to do that, though, production had to get really creative in order to keep on airing new episodes with the Top 20.
In getting a little creative, the show decided to go remote and let the contestants submit their performances for the next round. By doing that, the show took a huge risk in allowing its contestants to perform from home, a first in the show’s 18-year run of airing the final few rounds in Hollywood. With such a huge change, many fans were quick to have some strong reactions one way or the other about the new format, which saw Katy Perry sport quite an interesting outfit.
Videos by PopCulture.com
The new setup saw quite a divided fan base as the series did its best to move on with the show.
โ
These affects and the camera constantly changing angles has me laughing… #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/hyKIDynFfg
โ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐จ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ค (@piccoladiamond) April 27, 2020
โ
Itโs fun seeing how all of the contestants choose to decorate their backgrounds for their performances. Really shows their personalities. #AmericanIdol
โ Erica (@EricaSLP) April 27, 2020
โ
Im not feeling none of the song choices tonight #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/OWqYFWvCjD
โ Cheick (@Its_cheick) April 27, 2020
โ
They are really doing American Idol performances on Zoom … pic.twitter.com/gTomSPastI
โ Trevor Norris (@trevor_norris0) April 27, 2020
โ
Definitely an interesting way to watch #americanidol but hey – weโre all making adjustments arenโt we? pic.twitter.com/9UlhHnNgao
โ Scott Foreman: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ (@theministrydad) April 27, 2020
โ
Anyone else judging the singing but also these peoples houses? #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/kBlh7vq1UW
โ Sarahcha (@lasarah_unicorn) April 27, 2020
โ
You guys, #AmericanIdol is suddenly about singing and not stage effects and excessive production!
โ Damian Holbrook (@damianholbrook) April 27, 2020
(Altho Katy Perry idiotically dressed as sanitizer takes away from the joy of the performances)
More Reality
-
Photo by Ser Baffo/Disney via Getty Images) -
Photo by Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images -
Mel B at the "America's Got Talent" Season 21 Red Carpet held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 24, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Images) -
โReverse the Curseโ โ Back from tribal, tensions rise following the exit of a particularly historic player. The final five immunity challenge ends in a showdown and features one of the closest finishes the show has ever seen. Jeff reveals the outcomes of the remaining in-game fan votes and how they impact the final stage of the competition. Then, one castaway will be crowned Sole Survivor and awarded the $2 million prize, during the three-hour live season finale, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, May 20 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Jeff Probst serves as host and executive producer. Pictured: Aubry Bracco Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ยฉ2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
โA Side Dish of Chaosโ โ One castaway comes clean to the tribe about a previously deceptive move. The crowd favorite SURVIVOR auction returns, with an extra special season 50 spin. Chaos ensues when social media icon MrBeast arrives on the scene, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, April 29 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ยฉ2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 28: West Wilson, Amanda Batula and Jesse Solomon attend Bravo's "Summer House" Season 10 at 92NY on January 28, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
