Headlines: American Idol Showrunner Stepping Down, Seacrest Calls Close Finale

‘American Idol’: Showrunner Trish Kinane Stepping Down, Megan Michaels Wolflick To Take Over – Showrunner Trish Kinane is stepping down and retiring from the ABC show with exec producer Megan Michaels Wolflick moving up to take the big chair.It comes ahead of the finale of season four on May 23 and after it was renewed for season five. Kinane has been showrunner of American Idol since 2016 with season 15, its last on Fox, and the four seasons on ABC since 2018. She has been an exec producer of American Idol since its launch in the U.S. She has also held a dual role of President of Entertainment Programming for Fremantle and will also be stepping down from that position. Kinane said, “I am happy to have been instrumental in the continued success of America’s Got Talent and to have refreshed the American Idol format, shepherding it through its last years on Fox to its new home, and its recent commission for a 5th season, on ABC. I am leaving the show in good hands with an incredible team, and I am excited to be continuing as Executive Producer, whilst able to pursue some personal adventures.” – Read more at Deadline

Bobby Bones Encourages American Idol’s Wyatt Pike to ‘Come Back Next Season’ After Shocking Exit – Who says you can’t go home? American Idol judge Bobby Bones thinks Wyatt Pike “is welcome to come back” to the ABC reality show after abruptly leaving season 19 earlier this year. “I don’t think any of us saw Wyatt leaving until it was time for him to go,” Bones, 41, told Us Weekly exclusively while discussing his new show, National Geographic’s Breaking Bobby Bones, which premieres later this month. “I haven’t spoken to Wyatt since he left, but sure. If he wants to come back, we’d love to have him come back again.” – Read more at US Magazine

Ryan Seacrest predicts ‘American Idol’ finale will be “close,” reveals why this year’s talent level is so high – “I think it’ll be close…to my knowledge, there hasn’t been much of a runaway so far,” Ryan reveals. “But it does fluctuate. It’s a real-time vote. And it’s interesting to see the votes move as soon as the performance has happened…Because then they’re top of mind to the viewer. So it’ll be fun to watch it.” But, he adds, “Whoever wins, the others will support that person. I believe that…They’re very tight with each other.” Which apparently isn’t always the case, according to Ryan’s Live with Kelly & Ryan co-host, Kelly Ripa. “He said in past seasons, sometimes the runners-up have not been happy for the winner,” Kelly dished to ABC Audio. “And I’m going to get it out of him what season that is and I’ll pass it on to you!” – Read more at WRMF.com

The Voice’s Cam Anthony Talks ‘Newfound Confidence’ After Blake Shelton Says He Could Be a ‘Superstar’ – “I can definitely say it gives me a newfound sense of confidence,” Anthony told PEOPLE of Shelton’s kind words during the virtual press junket after the show. “Hearing someone like him speaking that highly of me definitely means a lot. It’s also validation that I’m doing the right thing, and I’m heading in the right direction and that being myself is okay and it works.” By age 12, Anthony was signed by Dr. Dre, and he spent the rest of his teen years recording and performing. Now that his contract is up, Anthony has been able to take full control of his artistry with some help from The Voice. “I think initially I didn’t understand who I was fully as an artist,” he told reporters during the junket. “Now I do have an understanding, and I was able to figure that out and experiment with that on The Voice. Going into this next contract, possibly, that would be the main difference: I know who I am as an artist, and I know what I want.” – Read more at People

Romeo’s Rachel Mac is happy in ‘The Voice’ spotlight – “This is awesome,” she gushed from Los Angeles by phone the day after the semifinals. “Obviously I’m biased, but I think Season 20 is one of the best seasons. I think any of the top 17 or 20 could’ve been the winner this season. There’s not a single contestant I thought could have fallen short. They are all so amazing. “That’s why it’s crazy I’m even in this position. But at the same time, I feel like this is what I was born to do. It really feels natural up there.” “I think Nick really helps me in … finding out who I am as an artist and being confident in myself,” said Mac, who’s been keeping up with her school classes virtually while on the West Coast. “He was young when he started in the industry, so he helps me navigate the competition, and the industry in general.” – Read more at The Oakland Press

Laine Hardy talks “American Idol,” pandemic songwriting, life on the road, and more – From growing up in a Louisiana town of just 2,000 people — to becoming the 2019 “American Idol” — Laine Hardy is a force to reckon with in the country music scene. He’s been focusing a lot on songwriting since his big win, and you can hear his new tunes live this week at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis. – Watch the interview at WJLA.com

Catching Up With Kellie Pickler: Life In 2020 & Future Plans With Music & Acting – Much like the rest of the world, Pickler has spent the past year riding out the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit in a personally therapeutic fashion. Instead of being cooped up indoors, the singer has been nourishing her soul through quality time in her backyard. “I call it ‘dirt therapy,’ which is having your hands and feet in the dirt planting and being one with the earth and nature. It’s been really refreshing,” the gardening aficionado tells Sounds Like Nashville over Zoom, from her home in Music City. Pickler is no stranger to being actively busy. “You know me, I love to work,” she quickly admits with a laugh. Since jumping into the limelight on American Idol in 2006, the bubbly and affable singer has worn many hats, built her brand, and now boasts a remarkable career résumé. – Read more at Sounds Like Nashville

About mj santilli 34828 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!