'American Idol' Season 16 Casting News: Luke Bryan Occupies Second Judge's Seat
Country music superstar Luke Bryan lands a seat in the judge's panel of the "American Idol" reboot.
Variety reported that the 41-year-old singer and songwriter will join pop superstar Katy Perry to select the season 16 winner of "American Idol." Perry's involvement in the show was first confirmed by ABC in May.
The announcement about Bryan's involvement in the show came just a week before the auditions reportedly begin. However, the name of the third judge has yet to be announced.
According to a report from TMZ, the people behind the reboot of the long-running singing reality show are having conflicts due to the racial composition of the upcoming season's judge's panel.
Sources reportedly told the publication that Freemantle, the co-owner of the show, wants to sign up Charlie Puth as the third judge for "American Idol" season 16, but ABC reportedly wants to have a racially diversified set for the judges. This is why they are hoping to get Lionel Ritchie on board.
The source also added that ABC has been talking to Ritchie for months, but nothing has been made final yet since there is a standoff between the network and some of the head of Freemantle. But the network is expected to announce the name of the show's third judge in the coming days since the auditions are expected to begin soon.
The publication also reported that Fremantle is also in talks with talent manager Troy Carter. He reportedly handles talents like Nelly, John Legend, Meghan Trainor, and Lady Gaga. If their meetings will become successful, he could be the one to sit on the third spot on the judge's panel.
Franchise host Ryan Seacrest was also confirmed to be returning to the show despite its transfer to ABC from its original network FOX after season 15.
The "American Idol" season 16 is slated to premiere in March 2018.
