'American Idol' 2020: Season 18 Top 20 Contestant Refresher Before Live Performances [PHOTOS]

It’s going to be very different compared to other seasons, but “American Idol” Season 18 is still preparing to showcase its Top 20 in style-albeit remotely.

While all shows that traditionally air live episodes have adapted to new formats when it comes to how they broadcast due to social distancing guidelines and restrictions, the longtime singing competition show will be taking a slightly different approach as it approaches that part of Season 18 on ABC. While it will still be done remotely, Executive Producer/Showrunner Trish Kinane told Yahoo Entertainment that it will still be done to the show’s high standards.

“We’re not doing Zoom-or Skype-type situations. We’re getting proper recordings. We’re trying to just upgrade the sound and pi So, here’s how it will work. From a whipping 45 different locations across North America—including the homes of the 20 contestants; judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan; host [Ryan] Seacrest; mentor Bobby Bones; and various musicians, backing singers, and crew members—this season’s finale four competitive episodes will be taped,” Kinane said. “But they’ll be ‘live to tape,’ to give the series as familiar and immediate a feel as possible. This means no multiple takes, no stops and starts; all contestants are performing without a net, so if they forget their lyrics, miss a cue, or hit a bad note, that’s what viewers will vote on, just as they would in any other live ‘Idol’ season.”

So who are the 20 contestants fans will be tuning in to watch and vote on following this unique change?

Aliana Jester