The long running reality TV competition "American Idol" ran for 15 years on FOX and just last year, ended with a massive final season. That's why viewers were surprised to learn that ABC is rebooting the competition for a 2018 release, just two years after it ended. Earlier news reports revealed that ABC has tapped Katy Perry to join the list of judges for the upcoming reboot and even enlisted Ryan Seacrest to return to his hosting duties. But one question remains: who will the other judges be? First ever "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson recently revealed that she was approached by ABC for a judging gig in next year's reboot, but she had to decline because "The Voice" got to her first.
It was also a no-brainer for the singer to pick "The Voice" over "Idol," as her husband, Brandon Blackstock is in fact "The Voice" Judge Blake Shelton's manager, so she already has a familiar crowd to be with on the show. Recently, "Idol" judge Keith Urban shed light on whether or not he will return to his judging duties once "Idol" returns with a reboot next year.
Keith Urban says judges are 'all new'
Australian country music singer Keith Urban served as judge for "American Idol" during its last four years on FOX and many are wondering if he'll come back for the reboot. Us Weekly reported that during an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival, Urban said that when it comes to the "American Idol" reboot, he believes "It’s going to be all new people except for Ryan [Seacrest]," indicating that he won't be part of any of it.
Songwriter has no hard feelings against 'Idol'
Keith Urban isn't breaking a sweat over losing a judging position on the "American Idol" reboot. The singer/songwriter told The Morning Call (via CMT) in August that "If that happens, great. And if it doesn’t, no sweat. There’s been talk about it, but I’m not quite sure.
There’s an enormous amount of moving parts on everybody’s side."
Singer to focus on music career instead
Not making it to the new list of judges on the "American Idol" reboot is not a concern for Keith Urban, who Variety reported has earned several Country Music Association Awards this year. The 49-year old three-time Grammy Award winner has been nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year, and Music Video of the Year, Single of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Blue Ain’t Your Color." The 2017 Country Music Association Awards will take place this year on November 8 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, where Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are hosting the event for the 10th time. The awarding ceremony will air on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
