Katy Perry sings "Here you come again" as part of a tribute to Dolly Parton during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 10, 2019. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY NETWO

Katy Perry breaks down in tears in sizzle reel for 20th 'American Idol' season

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 1/12/22

American Idol is gearing up to celebrate 20 overall years on the air—on FOX from 2002-16, and now on ABC since March 2018.

The groundbreaking singing competition show will debut its milestone anniversary season on Feb. 27, and an official sizzle trailer was revealed Wednesday:

The two-plus-minute cut begins with host Ryan Seacrest narrating the achievements of Idol winners past such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Gabby Barrett, and Jennifer Hudson.

"But what if they were never discovered?" he asks. "On Feb. 27, a new search begins."

We then see footage from auditions in Austin, Texas, Nashville and Los Angeles. We even see judge Katy Perry break down in tears when a contestant explains that his audition is dedicated to his young nephew who died last April, and the song he chose to sing is "the song I used to sing to him all the time when I would rock him to sleep."

The Television Critics Association simultaneously teased new information about the forthcoming season:

The show went to Nashville, Austin and LA and gave away three special platinum tickets to the best contestants in each city. #AmericanIdol #TCA22
— The TCA (@OfficialTCA) January 12, 2022

American Idol showrunner Megan Wolflick says there will not be a mentor replacing Bobby Bones, but some Idol alum will return to mentor the contestants during the season. #TCA22
— Andy Dehnart (@realityblurred) January 12, 2022

@AmericanIdol will introduce the platinum ticket for its 20th season where winners in each city get an extra day to rest their voice in Hollywood and choose who they want to duet against #TCA22
— Murtz Jaffer (@murtzjaffer) January 12, 2022

This is @AmericanIdol third pandemic production and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick says the show is ready to pivot on a dime. #TCA22
— The TCA (@OfficialTCA) January 12, 2022

.@ryanseacrest says @AmericanIdol will be aiming to have as many of its traditional “moments,” within the context and reality of the pandemic, in its upcoming 20th season (which also includes the original run). Returns Feb. 27 on @ABCNetwork. #TCA22
— Jay Bobbin (@JayBobbin1) January 12, 2022

"We really really care because we've been in their shoes." @katyperry says about @AmericanIdol contestants #TCA22
— The TCA (@OfficialTCA) January 12, 2022

Average age of the #americanidol finalists this year is 20 per Megan Wolflick, the EP of @AmericanIdol #TCA22
— Murtz Jaffer (@murtzjaffer) January 12, 2022

Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have served as judges for Idol since it was rebooted.

The reigning Idol champion is Chayce Beckham, who was crowned last May.

More must-reads: