For the love of music: ‘American Idol’ returns on Valentine’s Day

W ith so many people sticking close to home these days, this has become the era of binge-watching episode after episode of TV shows. It seems as if increasingly fewer television series have what it takes to keep viewers tuning in each and every week. Luckily for those looking to add a little more excitement to their Tv-watching routines, one of the world’s most successful reality TV series is about to return to prime time. Emmy winner Ryan Seacrest (“Entertainment Tonight”) hosts one of the most thrilling talent search shows in the history of television as the new season of “American Idol” kicks off Sunday, Feb. 14, on ABC. Music icons Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan share their love of music and performing as they serve as judges once again, while radio personality and industry expert Bobby Bones returns to mentor the contestants on their path to stardom. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted some changes to how the show operates, but it still gives hopeful young singers the chance to break into the music industry as they compete for the “American Idol” title and a lucrative record deal. As in previous seasons, the new “American Idol” featured an open casting call that invited anyone between the ages of 15 and 28 to audition, regardless of experience. Literally anyone who thinks that he/she/they can sing was welcome to give it a go. The judges will whittle down the field through a series of audition and performance rounds until just one contestant is crowned the winner. That is the basic premise, and it hasn’t changed, even in the face of COVID-19. “’American Idol’ has always been able to bring people together, entertain and inspire,” ABC executive Karey Burke said in an official news release, “and I am so proud of how this show continued to deliver joy and laughter into people’s homes during a time when we needed it the most.” Burke was, of course, referring to the way the series persevered in spite of the COVID-19 shutdown this past spring.