American Idol has been renewed at ABC for a second season and its 17th overall. The exciting news was announced via a press release on Friday, May 4.
ABC and FremantleMedia brought back TV's biggest competition show a year after it ended its 15-season run on Fox in 2016, securing our very own host Ryan Seacrest and new series talent / judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
"We knew that American Idol on ABC would unleash an opportunity for singers from all walks of life to realize their dreams and that these incredible contestants would have America rooting for their success,” said Channing Dungey, ABC Entertainment president. “I am thrilled that Katy, Luke, Lionel and Ryan will be back to once again embark on this Idol journey with us to discover the next crop of inspiring talent.”
Perry, Richie and Seacrest all took to social media to celebrate the renewal as well.
“Y’ALL! I’m having TWO much fun to stop now… so why don’t we keep it going!?” The Grammy winner tweeted. “EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE that @lukebryanofficial, @lionelrichie, @ryanseacrest and yours truly will be BACK with another season of #AmericanIdol on @ABCnetwork.”
Seacrest added: “After a nationwide vote ... #AmericanIdol will be back for S2 on ABC! Can’t wait to do it again with @katyperry, @lionelrichie, and @lukebryanonline!”
The current season has brought forth newfound talent including fan favorite, since-eliminated contestant drag queen Ada Vox, a first for the competition show.
American Idol airs on Sundays, live on both coasts, on ABC and will conclude this season with a two-hour finale on May 22, crowning the next American Idol!