Original judge Randy Jackson will this season serve as a mentor . `` American Idol '' returns Wednesday . The show will be taped in Los Angeles on May 19 and 20 with a live audience of more than 100 million people tuning in. Producer says it 's as popular as `` The Voice ''
`` American Idol '' returns Wednesday . The show will be taped in Los Angeles on May 19 and 20 with a live audience of more than 100 million people tuning in. Producer says it 's as popular as `` The Voice ''