We believed the rumors to be true, but ABC has officially confirmed that American Idol has been renewed for a second season on the network.
If you’re counting, that will technically be Season 17 of American Idol, despite what season ABC is calling it. Also renewed are all the judges’s and Ryan Seacrest’s contracts. Yes, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will be joining Seacrest for the next season.
“We knew that ‘American Idol’ on ABC would unleash an opportunity for singers from all walks of life to realize their dreams and that these incredible contestants would have America rooting for their success,” Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment said in a press release. “I am thrilled that Katy, Luke, Lionel and Ryan will be back to once again embark on this Idol journey with us to discover the next crop of inspiring talent.”
So there you have it. There was a lot of question as to whether or not Seacrest or Perry would return for a second season on ABC, so now we know.
“’American Idol’’s return on ABC has shown once again that viewers love to discover and support raw talent,” said Trish Kinane, president of Entertainment Programming, FremantleMedia North America, executive producer and showrunner of “American Idol.” “Our new judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have brought huge credibility, energy and fun to the show this year, and we are so excited to continue the journey with Ryan Seacrest at the helm in the search for the next superstar.”
Dennis Miller, executive chairman of CORE Media Group, added, “Our team is incredibly proud of the success we have had with ‘American Idol’ on ABC, and we are excited to search for more talent nationwide with a second season. We look forward to furthering our relationship with the network, our partners at FremantleMedia, Luke, Katy, Lionel, Ryan, and all those who audition to become the next American Idol as we continue to entertain fans with incredible performances week after week!”
Are you excited for a second season of American Idol on ABC? American Idol 2018 airs Sunday on ABC as the Top 7 performs songs from the Prince songbook and songs from the years they were born.