Getting the Fam Back Together: All Three ‘Idol’ Judges Will Return for Season 20
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Ryan Seacrest will officially all return to American Idol this season. The announcement was made on Good Morning America as host Robin Roberts pointed out “like it was ever in doubt.” This will be the group’s fifth season together.
“They’re fantastic together!” said Roberts during the announcement as Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling” played. Well, we’re dancing on the ceiling. Season 19 was undoubtably the most talented and dramatic season we’ve seen so far. There’s no telling what Season 20 will bring.
As all American Idol fans know, Seacrest has been hosting the show since the very beginning. There was little doubt as to whether or not he would return. However, with so many various judging panels throughout Idol‘s 19 seasons, fans never truly know if they’ll see the same group year after year.
“Luke, Katy, Lionel and Ryan are music and industry icons that have become synonymous with ‘Idol’ on ABC,” Rob Mills, executive vice president of Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television said in a press release. “Their star power is unmatched, and their support is a gift to our contestants that have deeply benefited from their wisdom over the past four seasons—and they’re ready to do it again. As we begin a momentous season, I think it’s safe to say this dream team has officially cemented their legacy on ‘Idol.’”
Judging Panel to Return for American Idol Season 20
Considering the judges just won the 2021 ARTAS award for Outstanding Judging Panel, it shouldn’t be too big a surprise that the whole group signed on for another season.
Not to mention the amount of fun they all have both on stage and behind the scenes. It truly seems, at least for now, that they all enjoy their jobs — and their co-workers. With COVID-19 restrictions, contestants dropping out, and the infamous Season 18 contestants return, this past season was one filled with excitement.
Season 20 does not yet have a premiere date, but we expect it will be some time early next year. The live virtual auditions already start filming this Friday throughout the country with ‘Idol Across America.’ Although this is a fully virtual audition process, the contestants will still be categorized by city to maintain a bit of Idol tradition.
