The roster of judges for the “American Idol” reboot on ABC is now complete with the confirmation that Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are officially on board. The crucial development comes just in time for the talent show’s live auditions set to begin Tuesday next week. Ritchie and Bryan will join Katy Perry on the judges’ table as the show once again began its search for America’s next singing sensation.

ABC Entertainment president, Channing Dungey, said that Richie and Bryan are “perfect additions” to Idol’s panel of judges given their “insurmountable popularity” and “award-winning talent” in their respective music genre.

Dungey added that “American Idol” is lucky to have the R&B and Country music stars to help guide the future singing talents of the show.

Both are excited

Luke Bryan expressed his excitement on being a part of the "AI’s" panel of mentors and to be in the position to help deserving artists realize their dreams. The country singer also described the opportunity of being one of the judges as an honor and that the experience would be a blast.

R&B superstar Lionel Richie also expressed his enthusiasm for being among the judges on the talent show with Perry and Bryan. Richie is relying on his experiences as singer, songwriter, and producer to help select and guide the program’s contestants.

According to reports, the trio will make their first official appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Wednesday, October 4.

Seacrest and Perry

Ryan Seacrest is also coming back to continue hosting “American Idol" -- which he did for 15 seasons before the show ended its run on FOX last 2016.

Pop superstar Katy Perry was the first judge to come officially on board after it was confirmed last May that "Idol" will make a comeback on ABC.

Perry, reportedly, will be paid $25 million for the stint. Lionel Ritchie – who is said to be Perry’s choice as a co-judge – was engaged in an “on-again, off-again” negotiations with ABC before finally agreeing to be part of the show. Variety even reported last week that the R&B star “appears to no longer be in the running” as an AI’s judge.

Other names considered

Prior to the confirmation, other artists who were rumored to have been considered included former "AI" judge, Keith Urban, Charlie Puth, Dolly Parton, and Scooter Braun.

There is no definite date yet as to when “American Idol” will start airing on ABC but the talent show is expected to have its debut in March— after the network’s telecast of the 2018 Oscars. It is also believed to air Sunday and Monday.
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