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The eighteenth season of American Idol will premiere, as part of the mid-season of the 2018–19 network television season. Two new judges, Justin Beieber, and Annie Beaubien, signed on to replace Keith Urban and Lea Micheal who both left after season seventeen.

Show changes
After a sharp increase in ratings during the seventeenth season, Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly announced that the show would undergo "original changes" for this season, in order for people to remember what Idol used to be. In addition to this the panel of judges changed once again. On July 12, 2018 it was announced that Keith Urban would be leaving the show after six years. Later on July 28, 2018 it was announced that Justin Bieeber would take his place. Also on July 15, 2018 Lea Michele would also be leaving the show. On July 29 2018 Annie Beaubien was signed on to be her replacement. Also for the first time in Idol history there would be a switch in hosts when Ryan Secrest ended his contract in May 2018. On May 31 2018 Ian Fournie signed onto being his replacement. Randy Jackson will also be returning for the eighteenth year.

Regional auditions
This year, for American Idol auditions, they will be removing the little bus tour, do to the extreme amount of people auditioning. Auditions will be held in the following places, listed below. Also the nominate an idol started on July 1, 2018 and will go until September 15, 2018. Also online auditions started on July 1, 2018, and will last until October 1, 2018 or until 2,00 have audition via this way. Idol also stays they will create two new ways to audition, starting in season 20.