Yup, Katy’s Joining ‘Idol’ Reboot
Yesterday’s rumors magically morph into today’s reality, as ABC announced that Capitol recording artist Katy Perry is officially joined ABC’s American Idol reboot as a judge. ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey formally announced Perry’s addition to the show yesterday at the network’s upfront presentation in New York. Perry remarked, “I am honored and thrilled to be the first judge bringing back the American Idol tradition of making dreams come true for incredible talents with authentic personalities and real stories. I’m always listening to new music, and love discovering diamonds in the rough — from mentoring young artists on my label, or highlighting new artists on my tours, I want to bring it back to the music.” An excited Perry also posted a message on Instagram.
Perry is the first onscreen talent to join the revival of the popular singing competition that ran for 15 seasons on Fox from 2002-2015. As Variety recently reported, Ryan Seacrest is in advanced talks to rejoin the franchise as host, but no deal has yet been finalized. ABC has also held talks with Country superstar Carrie Underwood (winner of Idol‘s Season Four in 2005) to join the series as a judge, as well as with fellow American Idol alum Adam Lambert. ABC had also approached Idol‘s inaugural winner Kelly Clarkson about joining the reboot as a judge, but those talks abruptly ended when Clarkson signed on as a coach for Season 14 of NBC rival The Voice. No premiere date has yet been announced for ABC’s version of American Idol, though sources tell Variety that the show is slated for a March 2018 debut.
