“American Idol” is the latest TV show to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TVLine reports.
Tuesday night, “American Idol” announced it has canceled rehearsals and sent the show’s remaining contestants home just two weeks before the live performances are set to begin, according to Deadline.
The longtime singing competition kicked off Feb. 16. The latest pre-taped episodes aired March 15 and 16, and Monday night’s episode marked the start of the show’s Hollywood round.
“American Idol” producer Fremantle is allowing editors to work remotely from home and continue editing the final pre-taped episodes, Deadline reported.
For now, episodes will continue to air as scheduled through the beginning of the live shows.
The live episodes are supposed to begin Monday, March 30. A decision about the live shows has not yet been made. While the show could still move forward, it would likely do so without a live audience, according to the website TV Series Finale.
“It is conceivable that the producers and ABC could use additional existing footage for an extra episode or two to buy themselves some time while they evaluate the situation and make a final decision whether to proceed with live shows and, if they do, in what shape or form,” Deadline reported.
Producers for NBC’s hit singing competition, “The Voice,” will likely have to make a similar decision in the coming weeks. “The Voice” is wrapping up its blind auditions and will then air the pre-taped battles and knockout rounds.
The first live broadcast of “The Voice” isn’t scheduled to air until May 4, according to Cinema Blend.