Despite slipping ratings, FOX's dependable singing competition reality show American Idol will be coming back for a 14th season.

Last night (May 7), it was announced that after season 13 wraps, Idol will be returning for the 2014-2015 television season. According to The Hollywood Reporter, despite its floundering ratings, Idol season 14 was always a sure thing for FOX, particularly because the channel dumped Simon Cowell's other reality baby The X Factor US earlier this year.

Ryan Seacrest is expected to return as the Idol host for season 14, though there is no word on whether or not current judges Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban will make a return. It's notable that three of the five cities that the Idol auditions will take place in this year are the judges hometowns, however (New York City, New Orleans and Nashville).

Speaking of which, Idol has announced its dates, cities and specific venues for its season 14 auditions. According to the show's official website the schedule is:

06/18: Minneapolis, MN @ Mariucci Arena, University of Minnesota
06/25: New Orleans, LA @ Lakefront Arena, University of New Orleans
07/23: Long Island, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
07/30: Nashville, TN @ Nashville Municipal Auditorium
09/29: San Francisco, CA @ Cow Palace San Francisco

The American Idol Audition Bus Tour will also hit up 11 additional cities, including Columbus, Ohio; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Portland, Oregon.

Check out a full list of Bus Tour cities here.

Season 13 will have its finale on May 21. A date has yet to be set for the show's next season.

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