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ABC’s New ‘American Idol’: Two High-Profile Judges Said to Be Close to Locked In

May 15, 2017  •  Post A Comment

An announcement is expected Tuesday that ABC’s “American Idol” reboot, coming in 2018, will have Katy Perry as one of the judges, according to a report by TMZ.com.

Perry is “in the homestretch … negotiating a deal to become the anchor judge on ‘American Idol,'” the story reports.

TMZ notes: “‘AI’ honchos set their sights on Perry after their bid for Kelly Clarkson went south and she joined ‘The Voice.’ Sources familiar with the negotiations tell us ‘Idol’s’ goal is to announce Katy is joining the reboot during the ABC Upfronts this week.”

The report adds that while Ryan Seacrest “will almost certainly be the host,” the show has yet to decide who it wants as the other two judges.

But Us Weekly was reporting today that “Idol” alum Chris Daughtry is set to be one of the judges. The report cites an unnamed source confirming that Daughtry is joining the show.

Another source is quoted in the Us story saying: “They wanted a panel of all ex contestants. Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson were all on their wish list.”

The Us Weekly story is at odds with TMZ’s take, with TMZ commenting on the spots that remain after Perry signs: “We’re told the other judges will likely be a songwriter and a music producer. Our sources say producers and the network don’t feel the need to get 3 big singing stars on the panel, because ultimately the show is about the competition and making it interesting.”

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