I thought it was odd that ABC hadn’t announced the American Idol 3rd season pickup while it announced the return of Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor and more. After all, host Ryan Seacrest has been promoting this summer’s bus tour and talking like the show is coming back. It is, but with a caveat. Costs must come down. Variety reports:
ABC and FremantleMedia North America have only recently started negotiations on possible new talent deals for “Idol” judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Perry made headlines in 2017 when she signed on for an eye-popping $25 million a year.
It’s understood that ABC has told Fremantle it hopes to make “Idol” a long-term network franchise but only if the current cost structure can come down. “Idol” has performed credibly but not spectacularly for ABC this season.
ABC is said to be pushing for across the board cost reductions, including but not limited to the paychecks of key talent. “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest is believed to be under a long-term deal.
All of this activity comes ahead of next week’s Upfront presentation for advertisers. The ABC presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13. ABC could announced the series pickup and leave the panel announcement for later. Remember those seasons where the panel wasn’t unveiled until late summer or fall? Months and months of speculation ensued in the meantime. Such fun!
It sounds like the network is hoping to get the current panel back, but at a reduced rate. If Katy won’t bring her price down, ditch her and replace with another pop star. Who sits in those judges seats is just not that important.
