ABC Confirms Return of ‘American Idol’
After various speculations hitting a number of news sites, ABC can officially confirm they are picking up American Idol to continue its run on television.
American Idol is officially coming back to the small screen.
Rumors began swirling around the potential reboot of the hit reality television singing competition show recently, noting that ABC was interested in giving the show another go. After various speculations hitting a number of news sites, ABC can officially confirm they are picking up American Idol to continue its run on television.
“American Idol is a pop-culture staple that left the air too soon,” said ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey. “ABC is the right home to reignite the fan base. We are thrilled viewers will once again share in these inspiring stories of people realizing their dreams.”
According to Entertainment Weekly, ABC won out the rights to AI over Fox and NBC to mark the series’ return. Fox previously was home to the show for a total of 15 seasons. The series produced a number of huge names in the music industry, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and many more.
With the return of American Idol comes the new considerations for who will take over the emcee position. Although devoted fans of the show hope Ryan Seacrest will resume his role, he admitted on his new gig as co-host on Live! With Kelly that the negotiations are still being made in terms of what names will lead the pack for American Idol’s return.
“I had no idea it was being talked about to come here until late last week I heard a rumor in the news and made a phone call, and they said, ‘Yeah, it may actually end up here.’ And I said, ‘Well, that’s kind of good to know since I work here,’ ” he continued. “So what I do know is, apparently it’s unofficial but very close to being said it will be here. I don’t know if I can host it…,” he claimed on the morning talk show (watch below at 5:00).
At this time, the judges for the reboot are also unknown due to conflicting schedules for many of the previous faces that sat on the panel. Simon Cowell holds an exclusive contract on his work with NBC and America’s Got Talent, and there’s no word on what Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. are slated to do.
There is no set air date for the return of American Idol at this time.
