American Idol managed to land its second celebrity judge just a week ahead of the start of auditions, with Variety reporting that country star Luke Bryan will be joining Katy Perry for the series reboot on ABC. A third judge has yet to be secured, and at the rate things are going, maybe never will be? Two judges won’t be awkward at all, right?
According to the outlet:
Lionel Richie, who was reported to have been in advanced talks to join the show, appears to no longer be in the running. Other artists considered for the panel included Charlie Puth and Keith Urban, though it looks unlikely that either will round out the judges’ table.
Ritchie’s deal may well have fallen through on account of the $10 million he apparently requested, considering it’s twice what producers intended to offer. Perry, meanwhile, is netting $25 million. The details of Bryan’s salary have not been revealed.
Ryan Seacrest will also be returning as the host, in case that’s the motivation you needed to tune in. The new season will debut in early March.
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