Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol’s Season 16 cast returns intact for Season 17, featuring judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and host Ryan Seacrest. (ABC Photo)

American Idol kicks off Season 17 — and its second on ABC — with a two-hour audition episode Sunday, March 3.

Ah, but ABC has now decided to beat NBC to the punch, planning to air a 30-minute sneak peek at the new season of Idol at 4 p.m. Sunday, which happens to be Oscar night for the network.

According to a press release from ABC the Sunday special will feature Idol host Ryan Seacrest sitting down with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie to discuss the return of the show and a preview of this year’s crop of new talent.

Does that mean we’ll actually get to meet singers starting Sunday? The press release isn’t specific. But I’ve got a bunch of profiles of contestants rumored to do well in Season 17 that I’ll be posting over the next week of show.

The special will also include judges answering fan questions and sharing “behind-the-scenes secrets,” the press release promises.

Idol’s schedule is a bit erratic early in Season 17. After the March 3 premiere, Idol will come back with another two-hour audition episode on Wednesday, March 6. Auditions will continue Sunday, March 10; Sunday, March 17; and Monday, March 18.

Sunday’s 30-minute special will follow an Oscar Red Carpet Preview shows that runs for three hours. Another 90-minute “Live from the Red Carpet” begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Oscars at 8.