In recent interviews with the press, ABC executives said the long wait to nail down the rest of the American Idol judges spots comes down to getting the right personality combo. With Katy Perry’s $25 million addition to the judges panel, and Ryan Seacrest finally on board to host, they all want to make sure the chemistry is perfect.
American Idol Taking Time to Get Judges Panel Chemistry RIght
Now, TMZ is reporting that the network is “in crisis,” unable to lock down deals with the current front runners. Also, producer Nile Rodgers is in the mix. I suppose a record producer would come cheaper than a popular artist.
The American Idol reboot seems to be in crisis — honchos still haven’t locked down a second, third and possibly fourth judge, with only 6 weeks until cameras roll.
ABC Chief on American Idol Longevity, Katy Perry Salary
American Idol Auditions Set for Disney Springs, Former Winners to Greet HopefulsTMZ broke the story … producers first set their sights on Katy Perry, who will be pocketing $25 mil.
Our Idol sources tell us … none of the previous front-runners — Lionel Richie, Charlie Puth, Luke Bryan or Keith Urban — are any closer to signing than they were a few weeks ago. We’re told record producer Nile Rodgers has now been tossed in the mix.
The issue with Lionel, we’re told, is his team’s asking around $10 mil … double what they want to pay. ‘A.I.’ producers are also still debating whether to go with 3 or 4 judges. At this point it all comes down to money, but it sounds like they’d like 4.
Auditions for Idol hopefuls kick off Thursday in Orlando, but filmed auditions in front of the judges don’t begin until the end of Sept.
So there’s still time … but it’s getting dicey.
This report feels like TMZ adding a negative spin to already existing reports from other publications. Although, money does seem to be an issue in negotiations, considering that it took weeks to nail down Seacrest’s deal.
