'American Idol' Reboot Updates: Show to Have an All-New Judging Panel, Hints Keith Urban
The upcoming reboot of "American Idol" will feature an all-new set of judging panel if Keith Urban is to be believed.
Speaking to Us Weekly during last week's Toronto International Film Festival, where he accompanied his wife Nicole Kidman for the opening of her movie "The Upside," Urban said that he is not returning to the judges' chair in the upcoming reboot of "American Idol."
"I think it's going to be all new people except for Ryan," Urban said as he pointed out that Ryan Seacrest will be the only person from the original "American Idol" who will return to host the show once more.
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Urban was one of the judges of the singing-reality show in its last four seasons.
As far as the judging panel of the show is concerned, only Katy Perry is confirmed. While "American Idol" alum Adam Lambert expressed his willingness to sit as one of the judges, he revealed in an interview that nobody has approached him to join the show.
Earlier rumors also claimed that other "American Idol" alums Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson would sit as judges, but it was later revealed that the two had signed up to join "The Voice" instead of the show that helped them carve a name in the music industry.
While Clarkson believes that the reboot of "American Idol" is happening too soon, as its original 15-season run only ended in 2016, the real reason she chose to be a part of "The Voice" is not above anybody's head: Her husband, Brandon Blackstock, manages her fellow "The Voice" coach, Blake Shelton, hence, she and her kids are often at the NBC studios.
Nonetheless, Clarkson is grateful for the trust that the returning "American Idol" has given her. While she did not agree to join the show, she wishes nothing the reboot but the best.
"I was kind of bummed too when ('American Idol') came to me. I hope it's super successful," Clarkson said.
ABC has yet to officially announce the exact release date of "American Idol" reboot although the show is expected to arrive later this year.
The first "American Idol" aired its 15 seasons on FOX.
