The twenty-third season of AMERICAN IDOL started on March 2, 2025 on ABC. It continued to be one of the most famous singing competitions on TV. A new season began with host Ryan Seacrest taking over. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were also back as judges. Notably, American Idol got a new judge when Carrie Underwood, winner of season four, replaced Katy Perry on the panel. This change gave the show new life because Underwood spoke from the point of view of a former winner.
The format of the season stayed the same, but it worked well, and the Idol Across America virtual auditions were a big part of finding new talent. Auditions were held from August 12 to September 9, 2024, but not in person. Kolbi Jordan, Filo, and Canaan James Hill were given the highly sought-after Platinum Tickets, which gave them a strategic edge in Hollywood Week.
The winner was finally announced on May 18, 2025. His name was Jamal Roberts. John Foster came in second place and Breanna Nix came in third. But besides the music, one of the most interesting things about the season was the variety of filming locations, each one chosen for its own character and mood. Let’s look at the places where Season 23 of American Idol was filmed.
American Idol Season 23 Filming Location in New York City
Penn Station in New York City was the first place where people could try out in person for Season 23 of American Idol. This busy transportation hub turned into an unexpected but exciting place to audition in “Midtown Manhattan” between Seventh and Eighth Avenues and 31st and 33rd Streets. Penn Station, which was known for its grand rooms and constant movement, brought a raw, real-world energy to the competition.
A part of the station was turned into a temporary audition space so that the filming could happen. Studio-style lighting and high-quality sound equipment were set up to make sure that every performance could be recorded clearly—even though the space was very busy. Judges sometimes showed up out of the blue to talk to fans and contestants, which made the excitement even bigger.
The setting brought its own problems. Because of how noisy a busy train station is, the production team had to use noise-cancelling microphones and lighting rigs that could be controlled. Even with these problems, the performances in New York captured the hopes and dreams of a huge number of contestants. Those who impressed the producers were given a great chance to move on to the next round.
Tennessee’s Nashville
Another important place where movies were filmed was Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, which is often called the “heartbeat” of “Music City.” This huge, state-of-the-art indoor venue at 501 Broadway is often used for big concerts and sporting events, and it was a great place for the next round of auditions.
With a capacity of more than 17,000, Bridgestone Arena provided plenty of room and professional sound for the production needs of the show. A temporary performance stage was set up inside the venue and the area was equipped with the best lighting and sound gear to make sure that high-definition recordings could be used for TV.
Contestants could use professional rehearsal rooms and green rooms backstage to get ready before going up in front of the judges. Instead of the chaos of Penn Station, the controlled environment of—Bridgestone Arena made it easier for everyone to concentrate—which many contestants liked.
Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood were the judges. They were sitting on a specially made panel that was set up to get the best views for both people who were there in person and people watching on TV. Many great auditions happened here, and some of the season’s best contestants—like future winner Jamal Roberts—made an impression that will last.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – HOLLYWOOD WEEK AND LIVE SHOWS
The competition moved to Los Angeles, California—for Hollywood Week and the live episodes after the first round of auditions in New York and Nashville. During this part of the show, work was split between two famous studios: Red Studios Hollywood and CBS Television City.
Hollywood Week was filmed at Red Studios Hollywood, which is on Cahuenga Boulevard. Red Studios has professional soundproof stages, flexible lighting rigs, and professional recording setups with Dolby Atmos and Neumann microphones. The studio is known for making high-quality content in the past. These technical requirements made sure that every vocal run and harmony was recorded in crystal clear detail.
At this point, the contestants had to go through a series of tough rounds, such as working together in groups and performing alone. These segments were filmed in a very short amount of time, as there were daily rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, and vocal coaching. For many of the contestants, this was their first time performing in a full studio, and it helped them get ready for what was to come.
After the finalists were picked, the live shows moved to Los Angeles’s Beverly Boulevard and were held at CBS Television City. This famous building has been the setting for many famous TV shows. Large soundstages and modern broadcasting tools made it possible for American Idol to have dynamic set designs, such as rotating stages and LED wall backdrops that made each performance more dramatic to look at.
Live bands and backup singers played music for the contestants here. They worked on their performances with the help of vocal coaches and professionals in the field. Live audiences were also allowed in the studio, which added another level of stress and excitement. With high-definition streaming and multiple camera angles, every move, note, and emotion was caught on tape for people across the country.
Season 23 of American Idol celebrated its national identity by filming in three cities that are important to American culture: New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles. In order to shape the story of the season, each location was very important. Penn Station brought spontaneity and energy, Bridgestone Arena brought Nashville’s musical roots to life, and Los Angeles brought the professionalism and glitz that the season needed for its grand finale.
This trip across the country wasn’t just about geography; it also showed how varied American music is. No matter if they were performing in a busy train station, a top-level arena, or a top-notch studio, the environment pushed and inspired the contestants. Because the production team paid attention to every detail, each location met the high standards of the show while giving each part of the competition its own unique flavor.
