For nearly a quarter century, "American Idol" has been a Southern California television institution, filming in Los Angeles while helping launch the careers of aspiring singers from across the country.
Now, the long-running singing competition is preparing to leave the Golden State.
According to industry reports, ABC's "American Idol" plans to move production to the Atlanta area ahead of its 25th season, becoming the latest high-profile television show to relocate from California in search of more generous tax incentives.
The move comes as California leaders and entertainment industry advocates continue looking for ways to keep film and television jobs in the state amid growing competition from Georgia, New Jersey and other production hubs.
Why is 'American Idol' leaving California?
One
factor behind the move is Georgia's film and television tax incentive program. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, qualifying productions can receive a 20% transferable tax credit, with an additional 10% promotional credit available for projects that meet certain requirements, for a maximum credit of 30%. Productions generally must spend at least $500,000 in the state to qualify.
California expanded its own Film and Television Tax Credit Program in 2025 when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1138, which broadened the types of productions eligible for incentives and increased available funding. However, eligibility remains limited for unscripted programming.
Legislative analyses of AB 1138 specify that only certain large-scale competition shows with production budgets of at least $1 million per episode qualify for credits, while traditional reality shows, talk shows and docu-follow programs remain ineligible.
What does the move mean for California's entertainment industry?
The departure of "American Idol" is the latest sign of mounting challenges facing California's production industry.
Film and television organizations have warned that the state continues to lose productions to competitors offering larger tax incentives and lower production costs.
According to FilmLA, television production activity across the Los Angeles area declined nearly 27% in the second quarter compared with the same period a year earlier, driven largely by a drop in reality television shoots.
Other major programs have also explored leaving California. Earlier this year, "The Masked Singer" announced plans to move production from Los Angeles to New Jersey, while reports indicated that ABC's "Shark Tank" was relocating production to Atlanta after years in Southern California.
Industry groups say such moves can affect thousands of workers, including camera crews, set builders, makeup artists, drivers, caterers and other support personnel whose livelihoods depend on production activity.
What does this mean for viewers and contestants?
For viewers, the move is unlikely to change the show's format.
Auditions, celebrity judges and live performances are expected to remain central to the competition. However, production and filming activities connected to the show will shift away from California.
Aspiring performers from California can still audition, but future production-related jobs tied to the series may increasingly be based in Georgia.
California's connection to 'American Idol'
California has played a significant role in the show's history, both as its longtime production home and as the launching pad for several contestants who went on to national success.
Among them is country singer Chayce Beckham, who won Season 19 in 2021 and became the first "American Idol" winner to capture the title primarily performing original songs.
Since winning the competition, Beckham has scored a platinum-certified country hit with "23" and built a successful career in Nashville. He recently announced the Sept. 25 release of his new five-song EP, Old Fashioned, featuring the songs "Dirt Floor" and "Take Me Home."
What California residents should know
"American Idol" viewers can still watch the show as usual. But the relocation highlights a larger debate playing out across California over where television production takes place and where entertainment jobs are created.
For a state long known as the heart of the entertainment industry, the loss of another marquee television production underscores the ongoing competition among states to attract film and TV projects and the economic activity that comes with them.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'American Idol' moving production from California to Georgia
