Luke Bryan Joining Idol?
Lionel Richie, who was reported to have been in advanced talks to join the show, appears to no longer be in the running. Other artists considered for the panel included Charlie Puth and former Idol judge Keith Urban, although Variety says it looks unlikely that either will round out the judges’ table.
ABC’s revival of the long-running Fox music competition has been slowly taking shape since it was first announced in May. Perry was revealed to be the first judge inked shortly thereafter, pulling down a reported $25 million payday. Ryan Seacrest, who has hosted every season of the original American Idol, told reporters backstage at this weekend’s iHeartRadio Music Festival that an announcement about judges is expected shortly.
American Idol is slated to premiere in early March, shortly after the Oscars, which will be held on March 4. The show will reportedly air on Sunday and Monday nights.