'American Idol' goes on, but contestants will perform from home

'American Idol' halted production a month ago as the Covid-19 pandemic intensified.

Typically, American Idol contestants would perform on a glitzy stage in front of a panel of judges, surrounded by a roaring audience.

For the first time ever, this year's edition of the popular reality singing series will see its 20 finalists perform from their homes instead.

Idol premiered its pre-taped portion of the show on Feb 16, beginning with the audition and Hollywood rounds.

But as the Covid-19 pandemic escalated within the last month, and production suspended, it was unclear how the show will continue when it reached its live performance rounds.

The stage will be wherever the contestants are. Meanwhile, Lionel Richie tweeted he and his fellow judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, in-house mentor Bobby Bones and host Ryan Seacrest will all be doing their jobs via teleconferencing from their homes.

Well, you know what they say – the show must go on.

How will @AmericanIdol continue? I'll be judging from home in LA.@KatyPerry in Cali.@LukeBryanOnline & @mrBobbyBones in Nashville.@RyanSeacrest will host from Cali! Contestants perform at their house! America will VOTE and choose a WINNER! pic.twitter.com/0dF8wEr2vv — Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) April 14,2020