For the first time in the Fox show's history, the American Idol finale will take place in New York City.
The network has yet to confirm the news, which began circulating on Idol blogs on Thursday afternoon, but a source tells The Hollywood Reporter that the season 13 grand finale will be held at Madison Square Garden, which recently underwent a major renovation.
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Idol, which kicks off its new season on Jan. 15 with a new panel of judges comprised of Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., usually holds its final bow in Los Angeles. Since season seven, when David Cook took the crown, the show has been beamed live from the Nokia Theatre in downtown L.A. Before that, the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood (now called the Dolby) was home to the show's last battle.
It's unclear as of yet whether the show is betting big on finale night acts (last year's bill included Jessie J, Aretha Franklin, Psy, Jennifer Hudson and Lopez with Pitbull) or confident that its new group of finalists will draw increased interest -- enough to fill the 18,000-capacity arena.
The season 13 finale is scheduled to air on May 20 and 21.
Other acts booked at MSG in the coming months include Paul Simon and Sting, Justin Timberlake, Keith Urban and Billy Joel, who performs at the venue every month through September.
Fox has not responded to a request for comment.
Twitter: @shirleyhalperin
