January 9, 2018
It is less than two years since FOX canceled the super popular TV singing show American Idol. But after all the drama, the show is back, this time with new backing from ABC.
American Idol has come a long way since the first edition more than 15 years ago. In its history, it has produced some of the most spectacular new talents ever to hit the global market. From Kelly Clarkson (2002) to Trent Harmon (2016), each has launched relatively successful careers.
The show is back and is basically the same as always. But there are some big changes all the same.
In a shocking revelation, ABC went public with the information that the old trio of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul will not return to the show. Did someone gasp? Yes, it is true.
The panel has been given a total revamp. For Season 16, the new judges are Katy Perry, country singer Luke Bryan, and R&B legend Lionel Richie.
This new panel cuts across some of the most prominent genres in the music scene and suggestively opens up the competition. The new judges are excited to start the show. As Perry said:
American Idol and I have always circled each other, and it just hasn't been the right timing…It's about finding an Idol, bringing that dream to life once again.
Simon Cowell has earned himself the reputation as being the mean judge. He always gave hurtful comments. Over the years, his fan base has grown for divergent reasons.
While some people appreciate his brutal honesty, others consider him to be just a plain old meanie. Still, these qualities have created a lot of entertainment on the show. And viewers are wondering which of the three judges is going to take Simon’s place.
Fingers are pointing in the direction of Perry, but she doesn’t seem to want Simon’s place. She joked, "I'm blunt, but I can't be mean 'cause I'm a woman."
Perry and her fellow judges are determined to mentor the new contestants as they work to achieve their dreams. For Perry, being a judge on American Idol means a lot. Coming up in her career, she was faced with challenges, and she recalls how tough being a struggling artist can be.
The biggest gift for me personally is being re-inspired by their raw dreams, their raw ambition, their hope, and be like, I was there ten years ago. I know exactly where you are.
Executive producer Trish Kinane did confirm that ABC was not in any way trying to replace Simon. As she said, "We weren't looking for another Simon Cowell, another Randy (Jackson)." Kinane did mention that Perry had a penchant for being blunt.
Despite the entertainment that Simon provided with his witty remarks, Trish insists that the new American Idol is moving from ridiculing contestants as was seen in the past. She confirms, “We want the humor, but we don't want the exploitation."
There will still be some familiar faces on the show. Host, Ryan Seacrest will be reprising his role, so, in the end, there is still some old shine in the new American Idol.
READ ALSO: Scotty McCreery, ‘American Idol’ Winner, Sings A Duet With His Mom At Church
