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We’re exactly 67 days out from the Season 24 premiere of American Idol<\/em>, so ABC has released the first footage in an effort to capitalize on the “6-7” trend that’s sweeping the nation.<\/p>\n Carrie Underwood<\/strong>, a former Idol<\/em> winner and current judge, asks an aspiring singer named Uzziah<\/strong> if he has “a lot of funny stories” while at work, and he replies, “Right now, it’s 6-7. Yeah, all day.”<\/p>\n More from Gold Derby<\/strong><\/p>\n Underwood immediately does the alternating up-and-down hand motion, indicating she is well aware of the viral social media phenomenon that involves saying “6-7” (pronounced “six-seven”) in a largely nonsensical way. The term originates from a lyric in the song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by rapper Skrilla<\/strong>, and is used as an inside joke among the younger generation.<\/p>\n “Here’s how we stop that, Uzziah,” Underwood tells the auditioner. “I have the cure! Every time the kids say ‘6-7,’ we have to immediately say ‘5-3-0-9.’ And if we all band together, and do that, it will<\/em> stop. It’s gonna take all of us.” Watch the first-look clip:<\/p>\n Of course, Underwood is referring to the lyrics in the classic song “867-5309\/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone<\/strong>. In the early 1980s, many listeners prank-called that phone number and asked for “Jenny.” According to lead guitarist Jim Keller<\/strong>, “Jenny is a regular girl, not a hooker. Friends of mine wrote her name and number on a men’s room wall at a bar. I called her on a dare, and we dated for a while. I haven’t talked with her since the song became a hit, but I hear she thinks I’m a real jerk for writing it.”<\/p>\n Underwood won Season 4 of American Idol<\/em> in 2005, and sat behind the judges’ desk for the first time last year in Season 23, replacing Katy Perry<\/strong>. She now returns for Season 24, in between Luke Bryan<\/strong> and Lionel Richie<\/strong>, who are appearing for their ninth consecutive years. Host Ryan Seacrest<\/strong> is also back for the 24th season in a row.<\/p>\n The “Idol Across America” virtual auditions for Season 24 took place between Aug. 26 and Oct. 6, in addition to several open-call auditions. The show’s producers then selected the contestants they thought deserved an in-person shot in front of the three judges.<\/p>\n The Season 23 winner of American Idol<\/em> was Jamal Roberts<\/strong>, who became the second Black man<\/a> to receive the honor after Ruben Studdard<\/strong> in Season 2. “I’m anointed,” Roberts told Gold Derby after earning the most votes from fans in the May 18 season finale. “I know how to use it. I know how to tap in.”<\/p>\n The 24th season of American Idol<\/em> premieres Jan. 26 on ABC.<\/p>\n Best of Gold Derby<\/strong><\/p>\n Sign up for Gold Derby’s Newsletter<\/a>. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n