The hit TV show “American Idol” recently returned for its 19th season after an absence during the 2020 pandemic. As the first episodes are aired, both directors and competitors reflect upon the long-awaited arrival of the program. 

Many contestants are grateful for the opportunity to showcase their vocal talents during a time such as this.ue to COVID-19, singers have been projected as ‘superspreaders,’ which has proven to be a great obstacle for those entering the music industry. But, with precautions in place, “American Idol” producers have made the decision to move forward with the competition and allow the hundreds of participants a chance at stardom. 

Speaking of participants, let us take a look at some who are projected to be top-ranking contestants.

    Adriel Carrion: TikTok has become a form of communication and entertainment in the teen world, and for Carrion, it has become his fame. With over 70,000 fans, Carrion hopes to bring his vocal talents to the stage and impress a much larger audience. 

    Alyssa Wray: The freshman at Northern Kentucky University is known for her love of gospel singing and her musical theatre background. She hopes to bring a ‘wow’ factor to the show by highlighting her singing techniques that differ from others. This Sunday, Wray’s audition will air at 8 p.m on ABC. 

    Cheryl Koh: Koh is a special part of this season, as she was handpicked by the director of the program. She was first discovered on YouTube and further known for her involvement in the well-known movie, “Crazy Rich Asians.” This is where it gets interesting… Koh is already a record-winning artist. She is the vocal talent behind the introduction song, “Money (That’s What I Want).” In addition, she is a 4-time gold medalist at the World Championship of Performing Arts. Koh is expected to put up quite a fight in this season’s competition! 

    Colin Jamieson: It’s always helpful to have the upper hand, and Jamieson is definitely the contestant that has it. With a background in producing, songwriting and performing, the young singer is on track to be a successful addition to the show. Not only does he have the upper-hand in the music background, but with his golden hair and dreamy eyes, Jamieson is expected to be the heartthrob of this season. 

    Anilee List: List blew her audition out of the water with a standing ovation from the directors! Her vocals can only be described as ‘perfection,’ but her story is what truly stole the hearts of the judges. At the young age of seven, List was diagnosed with Turrets Syndrome. She has struggled her entire life with facial and motor tics, yet somehow, when she begins singing, these tics become non-existent. Singing is her ‘happy place,’ and she hopes to provide others with a hopeful outlook on the diagnosis of Turrets Syndrome, all while building her career. 

    Zach Sines: Sines is a young artist looking to further his career with the help of the ‘American Idol’ fans. He is experienced, but rarely performs in front of an audience, thus making this show the perfect challenge for this contestant. Fans can listen to his recently released music on  main streaming platforms (Spotify and Apple Music). 

    Jason Warrior: For those who view an array of vocal music TV shows, Warrior is a well-known name, but not in a good way. During his time on ‘The Four,’ a violent confrontation went viral between the contestant, Warrior, and the judge, Meghan Trainor. This season, Warrior is searching for a redemption and an opportunity to start over. 

    Claudia Conway: “Are you ok?” said Katy Perry as Conway entered the room. Itis an unusual question for a judge to begin with, but all three judges were taken aback at the sight of this contestant. That’s right, Conway is the daughter of former presidential counselor, Kellyanne Conway. This name brings up an array of controversy from the recent nudes leaked on her mother’s twitter profile, to her association with the Trump Campaign and her TikTok speeches that refer to her dislike of both her mother and father’s political viewpoints. But, this season, Conway is encouraged by a fresh start. 

    Alanis Sophia: Sophia is a girl of many trades; from acting, to singing and her experience on ‘La Voz Kids,’ she is not afraid of the stage. But, despite all of her experience, she has yet to make her ‘big break.’ She has a hopeful outlook for season 19 and her opportunity to show America that she is the next idol. 

    This season of “American Idol” is sure to be a success thanks to the hard work of the judges, contestants, producers, directors and all that are involved. 

    “Our aim was to make this season of Idol as normal as possible,” said showrunner Trish Kinane in an interview with Billboard, noting that they were the first show to go fully remote last year at a time when the highly infectious disease was shutting down TV and movie production. “We want to be the first show to pivot back to something resembling normality so we had that lens through which we look at every phase of the format.”

    Make sure to tune into the show on Sundays at 8 p.m central time, on ABC and other streaming services.