American Idol has suspended production and sent competitors home because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it has been reported.
The ABC reality show competition became the last TV show to be affected by the deadly disease.
Viewers enjoyed the pre-recorded audition rounds during the usual Sunday and Monday night slots, with live shows starting to be recorded next month.
A source has now told TVLine.com that filming for the show has been interrupted due to concerns about COVID-19.
In addition to wanting to prevent the spread of the virus, the producers feared that competitors and their families could not travel to Hollywood due to the US government’s severe blockades.
American Idol has Ryan Seacrest as a guest and has Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan as famous judges.
Over the weekend, America’s Got Talent – also produced by Freemantle – was forced to stop filming when Judge Heidi Klum was tested for the coronavirus after she fell ill.
The show was originally supposed to continue shooting as usual on Saturday, but without a live studio audience.
Page Six reported that production was suspended, with more than 100 other TV series, screenplays and others, also forced to stop production.
Days Of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and General Hospital are among the shows to close.
Film productions have also been suspended in the wake of the pandemic, including the live remake of The Little Mermaid and the latest installment of Jurassic World, Dominion.
Meanwhile, big-screen releases have been postponed, including Fast & Furious 9, James Bond’s No Time To Die and A Quiet Place Part II.
