American Idol is filmed in multiple locations throughout the United States, especially during its audition phases, but the main filming for Hollywood Week and the live shows takes place in Los Angeles, California. Specifically:

• Auditions have been held in various cities including New York City (Penn Station), Nashville (Bridgestone Arena), and other cities such as Asheville, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, and more

• Hollywood Week and the live shows are filmed at Red Studios Hollywood and CBS Television City in Los Angeles. These studios provide professional-grade soundstages, lighting, and acoustics for the competition's later stages

• Other notable filming venues include the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California

Thus, while auditions occur nationwide, the core competition and live broadcasts are centered in Los Angeles studios.