ABC's "American Idol" reboot kicked off the auditions in Florida in the East coast and Portland in the West coast this week. The show, however, still hasn't filled up the chairs on the judges' panel. Is the revival having problems finding judges to join Katy Perry?
Last Thursday, Aug. 17, former "American Idol” contestants Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks, and Kris Allen cut the ribbon to symbolize the opening of the audition phase in the East coast, as Just Jared reported. Hundreds flocked to Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida to audition.
In Portland, on the other hand, hopefuls lined up early in the morning without sleep, according to Oregon Live.
The “American Idol” auditions did not begin until 9 a.m., but some camped out the venue and waited their turn.
Only phase one
This phase is but the first of many rounds of auditions to become the “American Idol.” At this stage, it will be the show’s producers who will determine which individuals can sing in front of the celebrity judges.
If these individuals succeed in getting a thumbs-up from the panel, then they can then move on to claiming their golden ticket where the next tougher phase of auditions happens in Los Angeles.
Judges’ panel incomplete
The actual filming of the auditions doesn't begin until a few weeks, but ABC is reportedly pressed for time as the judges remain incomplete. Only Katy Perry signed up for the panel, so far, with a $25 million talent fee.
According to TMZ, producers discussed deals with Charlie Puth, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and former judge Keith Urban. Even record producer Nile Rodgers has been considered in the mix.
Lionel Richie is allegedly demanding $10 million to appear on the show, while ABC's offer is only half the amount. Producers also cannot settle if they will bring in three or four judges.
The previous show originally had three – Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.
Last July, former "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest agreed to be back on the reboot after months of negotiations with the network.
Other singing competitions
ABC won the rights to the reboot of the highly popular singing show over FOX and NBC in early 2017.
It plans to debut the series in spring 2018 or roughly two years after the original show ended on FOX after 15 seasons.
Failing to snag Idol, NBC will stick with "The Voice" for its singing competition. FOX, meanwhile, is developing "The Four," a new reality TV singing contest to compete with "American Idol."
