The “American Idol” cast and crew are taking over Nashville. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood have been spotted filming in Music City for season 24, along with host Ryan Seacrest.
Fans and crew members posted videos of the foursome filming on November 5, 2025, days before they’re scheduled to film the show’s infamous Hollywood Week with a twist, holding the intense round of competition in Nashville for the first time, as EntertainmentNow previously reported.
‘American Idol’ Crew Shut Down Broadway to Film
When the new season premieres on January 26, 2026, it’ll be the show’s earliest start in a decade. So producers have leaped into action, making sure everything’s ready to go — including pre-taped segments and promos with the cast.
On the evening of November 5, Nashville Experience posted multiple videos of the stars filming and meeting fans on Broadway, the main thoroughfare in downtown Nashville, filled with bars, restaurants and music venues.
“When American Idol shuts down Broadway on a Wednesday night,” was written over one video montage of the cast walking and driving down Broadway as cameras rolled.
In one shot, the cast could be seen in a black SUV as fans lined the street, with Richie grinning in the front passenger seat and Underwood with her window down behind him, looking up at the neon lights. In another posted video, the judges could be seen walking down in the middle of the street with lighting and camera operators following as they smiled and posed.
Ryan Seacrest Seen Meeting & Chatting With Fans
Seacrest took time to go over to the crowds and shake hands with fans, as seen in one video posted by Nashville Experience.
In another video posted by a fan, the “Wheel of Fortune” host was also seen walking with his castmates on the campus of Nashville’s Belmont University, waving and greeting students as cameras followed them there, too.
Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts will be the site of season 24’s iconic Hollywood Week, held outside of Los Angeles for the first time. According to On Camera Audiences, contestant performances will be filmed there on November 9 and 10. It’s an easy commute for Underwood and Bryan, who both live on large estates just outside of Nashville.
“American Idol” has confirmed that its virtual auditions have wrapped up, but it’s not clear where the judges filmed their in-person auditions and handed out golden tickets to the next round.
