Exactly fifteen years ago, American Idol hit TV screens for the first time, forever changing the landscape of reality competition programming. In celebration of the franchise’s anniversary, which also marks the birth year of this season’s youngest eligible contestant, the producers of American Idol have announced the start of auditions for the new season of the show, which will be broadcast from its new home on ABC. The nationwide search for the next superstar kicks off on Thursday, August 17th, as the Idol Bus jumps into gear across America, offering hopefuls the chance to audition for a shot at superstardom.

Idol judge Katy Perry made the announcement Monday morning (June 12th) on ABC’s Good Morning America.

From Portland, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida, American Idol will search every corner of the nation in its pursuit for talent. Auditioning has never been easier, with the series also taking to the internet, offering hopefuls the opportunity to submit audition videos online at americanidol.com or by showing off their talent via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Musical.ly using the hashtag #TheNextIdol.

American Idol auditions will be held as follows (subject to change). No word if any judges will be present.

West Bus Tour

Portland, OR – Aug 17 Oakland, CA – Aug 20 Provo, UT – Aug 23 Denver, CO – Aug 26 Omaha, NE – Aug 29 Tulsa, OK – Sept 1 Shreveport, LA – Sept 4 Muscle Shoals, AL – Sept 7

East Bus Tour

Orlando, FL – Aug 17 Miami, FL – Aug 19 Atlanta, GA – Aug 22 Charleston, SC – Aug 25 Asheville, NC – Aug 27 Louisville, KY – Aug 30 Pittsburgh, PA – Sept 3 Annapolis, MD – Sept 5 Boston, MA – Sept 8

Open Audition Cities

Chicago, IL – Sept 11
New Orleans, LA – Sept 14

You must be at least 15 years old to audition. Specific audition locations, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, terms and conditions are available at americanidol.com.

In May, ABC announced Perry as a judge for the reality competition the network revived after airing on FOX for 15 seasons. Other judges are expected to be announced soon with Variety reporting that Idol alumna Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, and Fantasia Barrino, along with Chris Martin of Coldplay, to be possible contenders joining Perry at the judge’s table.

Ryan Seacrest is also close to signing a deal to return as host even though he just joined Live With Kelly and Ryan as co-host and executive producer last month. This scenario would require Seacrest to jet set across the U.S. from New York City to Los Angeles once or twice per week, depending on how ABC handles the show.