The relaunch of “American Idol” is one step closer to locking down a new judges’ panel. According to a source, the ABC show is in talks with pop star Katy Perry to join the series when it comes on air in March 2018, as reported by TMZ Sunday.
Perry had been approached to join the show during its previous incarnation on Fox but had turned down producers at the time. It should be noted that, in the past, Perry has also turned down offers for other singing competition shows like “X Factor,” which, like “Idol,” is produced by FremantleMedia, and that “Idol” alum Adam Lambert is also managed by Direct Management Group, longtime representatives for Perry. She was also a guest judge during Season 9 as a temporary replacement for Paula Abdul.
The news comes in the wake of heated competition to fill coaches’ seats on “Idol” competitor “The Voice,” which airs on NBC and is currently in its 12th season. In the last week, “Idol” alums Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson were announced to have joined the Mark Burnett-produced NBC show. Not to be outdone, “Idol” is looking to bring back host Ryan Seacrest, who, perhaps not coincidentally, recently joined the ABC family as cohost of Kelly Ripa’s morning show, now named “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”
Who else is on the “Idol” wish-list? Big names, say several insiders, as talks are ongoing with managers for a handful of superstar music acts.