‘American Idol’ Officially Set to Return on ABC for 2017-2018 Season
Published on May 9th, 2017 | Updated on May 9th, 2017 | By FanFest
It’s officially, official! The ABC network has finally closed a deal which will revive the former Fox hit series American Idol. The network has announced that the singing competition reality show will return for the 2017-2018 season with a host and judges to be announced at a later time. American Idol ran on Fox for 15 seasons and only completed its final season in April of 2016. The series famously kick-started the careers of several successful stars, most notably including talents such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson, just to name a few.
Ben Sherwood, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and President of Disney/ABC boasted a “bigger, bolder and better-than-ever,” show when the series does make its return:
“American Idol on ABC… that has a nice ring to it. Idol is an entertainment icon, and now it will air where it belongs, in ABC’s lineup of addictive fan favorites alongside Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor. America, get ready for the return of a bigger, bolder and better-than-ever Idol.”
Channing Dungey, President, ABC Entertainment, added:
“American Idol is a pop-culture staple that left the air too soon. ABC is the right home to reignite the fan base. We are thrilled viewers will once again share in these inspiring stories of people realizing their dreams.”
Almost immediately following the completion of the series’ final season last year, the series began to pitch and negotiate for a new home. After circling discussions with NBC, ABC and even its former network Fox, The series is being happily welcomed by the ABC network.
American Idol is BACK!
Retweet if you’re excited for @AmericanIdol on @ABCNetwork! pic.twitter.com/VVGoY3g2Wh
— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 9, 2017
It’s also fitting to mention that ABC is now the new home of former Idol host Ryan Seacrest as, just last week, he began his new job as co-host (along with Kelly Ripa) and executive producer of Live With Kelly & Ryan. In addition to Live, Seacrest also has a daily radio show which has led to a pretty full professional plate. As such, the likelihood of him hosting the revived series is unknown. He has, however, publicly expressed his adoration for the series.
We have to hope that, if he can find time within his hectic schedule that he will step up to host on American Idol as well.
Well, now that it’s officially happening, what are your thoughts on American Idol joining the ABC line up? Who would you pick as host and judges for the new series? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Source: Deadline
A karaoke obsessed, craft beer enthusiast and lover of all things pop culture, Denise enjoys all facets of entertainment from Broadway to box office blockbusters. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, concerts (lots and lots of concerts), volunteering, reading and playing with her rescue kitten, Samantha (who rescued who, right?).
