With the new season of American Idol scheduled to begin shortly on ABC, it looks like the show has confirmed that country singer and songwriter Luke Bryan has signed on as a second judge, sources tell Variety. The country star will join Katy Perry for the American Idol series’ reboot on ABC. While the third spot has yet to be locked down, word from inside the production is that “Idol” will stick with a panel of three and not four judges.
Lionel Richie who was rumored 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 Keith Urban, though it looks unlikely that either will round out the judges’ table. Bryan was the recipient of the Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards “Entertainer of the Year” award. To date, Bryan has sold over 7 million albums and 27 million singles worldwide.
It was initially reported that ABC was eyeing a March 2018 Sunday Night return for Idol. No word yet on an official air date.
Source: Variety