Is "American Idol" returning to television? It has been confirmed that the popular reality TV music competition is making a comeback. Although it was canceled due to failing ratings in April 2016, ABC is reportedly bringing the show back for a 16th season. When will the new season of "Idol" start, who are the judges, and will Ryan Seacrest return to host the show?
Here's what you need to know about "American Idol" Season 16 including the latest on when the premiere will air on ABC.
Who are the judges?
Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Simon Cowell are all busy with their own shows right now, so chances are slim that they will be back to judge.
So, who might be an option? Demi Lovato, who is signed to Hollywood records, has experience judging and has performed on Idol. She also appeared on the "X-Factor" with Simon Cowell from 2012-2013.
Maybe bringing back a previous "Idol" is an option. The frontman of Queen, Adam Lambert, was once a guest judge on Idol as well.
Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry are also candidates for this position. The network expressed 'serious interest' in Clarkson and she was their first choice.
Some were told she was not interested, but her team is already looking to clear her schedule.
Chris Daughtry says that he would love to be a judge, but would be nervous about having to be honest when judging.
Ryan Seacrest making a comeback?
Ryan Seacrest, co-host of "Live with Kelly and Ryan," says that he is not sure he'll be able to host American Idol with his busy schedule. His co-host, Kelly Ripa is encouraging Ryan to take the plunge and host the show.
"American Idol" will be filmed in Los Angeles and Ryan is in New York, so that may be difficult for him as well. Brian Dunkleman, who was a co-host with Ryan on the first season in 2002, is also a runner up. After the first season, Dunkleman quit the show, but when interviewed later, said that he felt that leaving the show was a mistake.
He also made an appearance on the 15th season of the show and series finale.
When will it air?
ABC has not set a specific date, but says the season will air between 2017 and 2018. According to TMZ, the show's premiere will be in March of 2018.
Right now, ABC has many shows airing, such as, "The Bachelorette" and "Dancing with the Stars," so when they will fit "Idol" in is still questionable.
So as far as "Idol" returning, that is for sure, but there are still things that need to be answered. Hopefully everything will be confirmed soon.