ABCAfter weeks — nay, months — of speculation, it’s finally official: Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan will be joining Katy Perry at the judges’ table on ABC’s reboot of American Idol.
Lionel’s name had been in the mix almost from the very beginning, while Luke’s name has been thrown around for the past couple of weeks. The panel can now boast a bonafide R&B/pop legend, a red-hot current pop star, and a country music superstar. All three judges will appear on ABC’s Good Morning America on October 4.
“I’m excited at the chance to help some deserving artists reach their dreams,” says Luke in a statement. “To be in a position in my career to help facilitate this along with the other judges is just a complete honor. It’s gonna be a blast!”
Lionel adds, “I am very excited to be joining Katy, Luke and Ryan [Seacrest] on American Idol. As a singer, songwriter and producer, I feel I can bring a great deal of experience to the table. It’s going to be so much fun!”
Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment, states, “In their respective genres of music, both Luke and Lionel possess insurmountable popularity and award-winning talent that are undeniable, and we are lucky that they will help in paving the way for hopefuls pursuing their dreams on our stage.”
The new American Idol is set to debut on ABC sometime in 2018.
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