Several behind-the-scenes professionals are returning for the ABC American Idol reboot, according to a report from Variety:
Among the behind-the-scenes professionals returning for the ABC reboot are senior supervising producer Patrick Lynn; executive in charge in production Wylleen May; music supervisor Robin Kaye; and co-executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick.
During its original 15-season run on Fox, “Idol” employed roughly 150 Los Angeles-based crew members. Lynn was among those who were with the program for the entirety of its run. May, Kaye, and Wolflick joined in subsequent seasons.
Musical director Rickey Minor is also set to return to the show, as Variety previously reported.
However, Variety points out that several high-profile people associated with the show have not yet been asked to return, including former executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. The network has also not reached out to the franchise creator, Simon Fuller.
He’s been busy with Little Big Shots and other series, but I wonder if musical director Michael Orland will be back? It would be nice to see many of these behind the scenes folks come back.
Host Ryan Seacrest is still working out a deal to return as host. Reportedly, the parties have settled on a $10-15 million dollar salary, but are still wrangling over an executive producer credit for Seacrest The radio and TV personality helmed the series during it’s entire run on FOX.
As far as judges are concerned, only Katy Perry has signed on officially, for a reported $25 million dollars. There are rumors Lionel Richie is in talks to join the panel. Also, Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx is reportedly being considered for a spot.
According to the New York Post, Richie is in talks with ABC for a salary of between $3 million and $5 million. Sixx is in talks on a deal that will pay him about $3 million.
