American Idol is bringing back a live audience when it returns to the studio

Deadline

The ABC reality show is returning to Television City with an audience of at least 50 people, becoming one of the biggest non-scripted series to find a way to get crowds in safely. “We’ve got as many as we possibly can, and we’re hoping if things get better, we’ll be able to get even more audience in for the finale on May 23,” said showrunner Trish Kinane. “It makes a difference even having the 50 people we’re allowed to have, people reacting properly. When someone hits the high note, you can’t re-create that reaction.”