Georgia lands 'American Idol' as Los Angeles’ production scene takes a hit
After years in Los Angeles, American Idol is preparing to pull up stakes — and the state stepping into the spotlight isn’t the one you probably guessed.
Producer Fremantle has confirmed it ’s relocating American Idol’s production base to Georgia, ending years of taping the show’s biggest stretches in Los Angeles. The move shifts the show’s hub east for its next cycle; details on the specific stage and taping schedule weren’t announced.
It comes as filming in Los Angeles continues to soften. Between April and June, shoot days in the city fell compared with last year despite California expanding incentives in an effort to hold on to projects.
Shoot days in Los Angeles fell nearly 13% between April and June compared with last year.
Georgia, meanwhile, remains one of the country’s busiest production states. Over the last fiscal year, the state counted 280 titles shot there, from network dramas to tentpole films, plus a steady slate on Tyler Perry’s massive campus.
Even so, production spending in Georgia fell 40% year over year to $405 million in the second quarter of 2026. California posted $1.3 billion over the same period, up about 5%. Governor Gavin Newsom boosted the state’s tax credit cap to $750 million, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has pushed to uncap credits entirely and to let competition reality shows qualify for incentives.
The panel’s payday
The judges’ checks won’t be shrinking with the zip code change. Estimates and reported salaries remain sky-high for the current panel — and for one very famous alum of the desk.
- Lionel Richie — estimated net worth around $200 million; reportedly close to $10 million per season (more than $90 million across nine seasons)
- Luke Bryan — estimated net worth around $160 million; reportedly about $12 million per season
- Carrie Underwood — estimated net worth near $120 million; reportedly $10–$12.5 million per season
- Katy Perry (former judge) — estimated net worth reportedly $350–$400 million; reported $25 million per season during her run
As Los Angeles works to sweeten the pot — with Mayor Bass advocating for an uncapped credit and reality competition shows added to the incentive program — American Idol is packing up for Georgia.