The "American Idol" reboot is almost a done deal on ABC. Reports reveal the Disney network is close to nabbing the contract with producers from FremantleMedia and Core Media Group. ABC beats out Fox and NBC from bidding on this planned revival. The show originally ran on Fox from 2002 and went on the air for 15 years.
'American Idol' back in spring 2018
When everything is settled, viewers can expect an all-new singing show by next spring. ABC plans a March 2018 debut on Sunday Night to compete with NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” Observers said ABC will reveal more about the revival during the upfronts with advertisers happening this May,
ABC almost passed on this deal when the revival was first broached.
NBC emerged as the more interested network but the Peacock channel decided to drop its offer after considering it will affect its other singing contest, “The Voice.”
Who won’t be back on 'Ido'
The return of “American Idol” on ABC, however, won’t likely include Simon Cowell, one of the original judges on the series. Cowell has a long-standing contract with NBC as producer of another talent completion, “America’s Got Talent.” Cowell's show has been running the summer time slot and it's already on Season 12.
Also uncertain to return is host Ryan Seacrest, who was recently named Kelly Ripa’s permanent co-host on her daily daytime show, “Live With Kelly!” He also has commitments on his syndicated radio show over at iHeartRadio, which means he's schedule is all filled up.
"That said, Ryan has a lot of affection for "Idol" given the significance to his career and it taps into the things he loves — a live show, pop music, discovering new talent, etc," a source revealed to People Magazine. The same source also said Seacrest was not yet approached for the "Idol" hosting job.
Former Winner As Judge
Sources, however, say, ABC is eyeing Kelly Clarkson as one of the potential judges in the revival. After all, she was the very first winner. When Cowell was on the show, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson joined him at the judges' panel. Ellen DeGeneres, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Kara DioGuardi and Steven Tyler were also judges during the different seasons.
For most of its run, “American Idol” was a top-rater that toppled all of its competition in its time slot. Aside from Clarkson, the show also produced singing sensations like Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert and Jordin Sparks.
