Rumors that country star, Luke Bryan, has been in the running for a seat next to Katy Perry on the American Idol panel have been swirling for weeks. Now, Variety reports that it’s a done deal.
With a week left until “American Idol” auditions are due to start, the show has confirmed Luke Bryan as a second judge, sources tell Variety. The country star will join Katy Perry for the 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 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 Keith Urban, though it looks unlikely that either will round out the judges’ table.
ABC declined to comment on Bryan’s deal.
Their sticking with three instead of four judges, because the budget for talent is probably tapped out. If ABC really wanted to go on the cheap, they could fill the third spot with guest judges through the entire season. Hm.
In any case, the third spot needs to be saved for an R&B singer, either male or female. We’ll see what happens.
American Idol will premiere in early March, launching its premiere episode shortly after the Oscars, set for March 4. Currently, ABC is selling advertising spots for Sunday and Monday night episodes.
