'American Idol' announces move from Los Angeles to Georgia

Hear this story " American Idol " contestants hoping to make it in Hollywood won't have to compete there.

Season 25 of ABC's reality singing competition series is relocating from California to Georgia, production company Fremantle confirmed to USA TODAY on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The show has been filmed at the Red Studios Hollywood lot in Los Angeles for more than two decades.

Returning judges Carrie Underwood , Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie , along with longtime host Ryan Seacrest , will film in the Atlanta area, according to Fremantle. ABC has not explained its decision to move production across the country, and Fremantle declined to share any additional details.

Auditions for Season 25 began Aug. 25, with "Idol" producers scouting talent virtually across all 50 states and Washington, DC, through the show's Idol Across America search. The open-call process concludes on Sept. 28.