In 2002, the US was introduced to its own local version of the British reality singing contest “Pop Idol.” From there, “American Idol” on Fox went on to become a pillar of American reality television in the 21st Century. It finally came to a close on its fifteenth season back in 2016, outclassed in some way by other reality singing competitions that have popped up since.

But you can’t keep a good idea down it seems, as “American Idol” has been announced for a revival sixteenth season on a new network.

More hype was also generated by the possibility that series host Ryan Seacrest will also return. But the move to secure the first-ever winner of the show – Kelly Clarkson – as a judge has met with the disappointing news that she’s chosen a competitive program.

Original ‘Idol’ chooses another

It was a big blow for very expectant fans of the “American Idol” revival on ABC when rival network NBC dropped a bombshell announcement. Kelly Clarkson, winner of the first season and acclaimed as the “Original” American Idol, has been tapped to become a coach in the 14th season of “The Voice” instead. This was an ever bigger loss for “AI” after an earlier announcement that season3 seventh

This was an ever bigger loss for “AI” after a previous announcement that season3 seventh placer Jennifer Hudson was also snapped up by “The Voice” as a coach.

These two Idol alumnae will be joining Miley Cyrus, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton.

Clarkson at one point had been rumored to be scouted by ABC to be a judge for “American Idol” back when they were still in the middle of acquiring the rights. These hopes were dashed when Blake Shelton made an official announcement regarding “The Voice” on Facebook, with Clarkson herself appearing on the FB Live video in an inset.

What might have been?

Kelly Clarkson stated that she had been in discussion with “American Idol” for years on the possibility that she will sit as a judge in past seasons on Fox. The furthest she had gone then was to be credited as a show advisor and guest performer. "I can't wait to turn my chair and see the faces of up-and-coming artists and provide them with the help and support they've needed to break into the industry," she said in the video with Shelton, adding, "Watch out Shelton, I'm coming to win!!"

“The Voice” has had a good run with getting some major talents to do coaching duty on their show over the seasons, with luminaries such as Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Usher, Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani in their ranks. ABC on the other had has yet to announce any names for judges on their revival season of “American Idol”, which premieres this 2018.