It was Disney day at the Television Critics Association press tour today (Aug 6) in Beverly Hills. And of course, reporters had questions about the network’s reboot of American Idol set to premiere in Spring 2018.
Dungey admitted that Boy Band was created to appeal to a “more targeted audience niche that simply didn’t show up.” However, she expects Idol to continue to be the “big-tent” show that it was for 15 seasons on FOX.
Boy Band, which Dungey called “a creative swing for us,” is the latest in a long line of singing show failures (Anyone remember Duets and Rising Star?) for ABC. But she insists that Idol is a different animal with a built in brand. In other words, it comes with a tested format and a reliable fan base that fans across demographics.
“What I love about American Idol is that it’s broad,” Dungey said. “We’re hoping Idol will have the same kind of broad canvas that this show has always enjoyed.”
As far as Katy Perry’s reported $25 million dollar salary, Dungey wouldn’t confirm the singer’s deal, but believes that it’s a worthwhile investment to bring eyeballs to the reboot.
“We hit the jackpot with Katy,” Dungey said. “She is an enormous star. She has great presence. She is a songwriter. She understands talent, and to have somebody like her on our panel as one of our judges is fantastic.”
While the network has to “make sure we make the right decision so that the show can actually be financially viable,” she said having a superstar on the panel like Perry is important. The same goes for ABC’s deal with Ryan Seacrest to return as Idol host, she said.
“My hope is that Idol is going to be on our schedule for quite some time to come,” she said.
As far as filling out the rest of the panel Dungey said they expect to make an announcement “very soon.” As they always do, the rumors regarding who will take those seats next to Perry have been flying. Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Charlie Puth, Keith Urban are just a few of the stars that have been name checked in reports.
American Idol Producer Talks Katy Perry Salary, Bringing Ryan Seacrest Back
American Idol auditions being on August 17 when the busses hit Portland Oregon and Walt Disney World in Florida.
American Idol Auditions Set for Disney Springs, Former Winners to Greet Hopefuls
Via Variety
