'American Idol' Adds Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie as Judges

Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have officially signed on to join Katy Perry at the judging table when “American Idol” returns on ABC next year.

The judges will be joined by Ryan Seacrest, who will return to host the singing competition show in addition to his other role as co-host of the syndicated daytime talk show “Live With Kelly and Ryan.”

“I’m excited at the chance to help some deserving artists reach their dreams,” Bryan said in a statement. “To be in a position in my career to help facilitate this along with the other judges is just a complete honor. It’s gonna be a blast!”

Also Read: Fox Orders New Singing Competition 'The Four'

“I am very excited to be joining Katy, Luke and Ryan on ‘American Idol,'” said Richie. “As a singer, songwriter and producer, I feel I can bring a great deal of experience to the table. It’s going to be so much fun!”

The announcement ends a long search for judges stretching back to May, when ABC first closed a deal to revive the show. Perry was the first star attached to serve as judge, a deal which reportedly cost a hefty $25 million.

“Luke and Lionel are the perfect additions to round out our panel of judges for ‘American Idol’ on ABC,” said Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment. “In their respective genres of music, both Luke and Lionel possess insurmountable popularity and award-winning talent that are undeniable, and we are lucky that they will help in paving the way for hopefuls pursuing their dreams on our stage.”

Also Read: How Ryan Seacrest Can Juggle Hosting 'American Idol' in LA and 'Live' in NYC

“American Idol” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin along with co-executive producer, Megan Wolflick. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.

This Is Everything Ryan Seacrest Does in a Week (Photos)

Now that Ryan Seacrest has added hosting a rebooted "American Idol" to his list of seemingly never-ending jobs, we decided to look at a week in the life of the broadcaster, TV host, producer, philanthropist, fashion designer and dog-lover.
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Seacrest has said in interviews that he wakes up around 5 a.m. His radio show, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," airs at 6 a.m. and goes until 10 a.m. on weekdays.
He then heads to the New York studio of "Live With Kelly and Ryan," which airs at 9 a.m. ET (then it's replayed at 9 a.m. PT).

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Along with "On Air" and "Live," Seacrest is sure to schedule in workouts for himself. He told GQ that he treats them like executive meetings, but the time can float.

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In addition to those shows and his workouts, he also serves on the Los Angeles County Museum of Art board of trustees. Here he is at the LACMA's 50th anniversary party.

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Seacrest isn't only in front of the camera. He also produces "E! Live from the Red Carpet," Bravo's "Shah's of Sunset" and CMT's "I Love Kelli Pickler." That's not even to mention that he created and executive produces "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and its spin-offs.
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Seacrest has added more to his plate than his new spot on "Live." He's producing "Life of Kylie" on E!, which premieres this summer, and is launching a new skin-care line for men, which will also release this summer.

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And he has signed on to reprise hosting duties on ABC's reboot of "American Idol," which is expected to launch in winter 2018.
Seacrest's independent production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions, will remain based in Los Angeles despite his move to New York for "Live." Among the many shows produced here is Jennifer Lopez's "Shades of Blue." ABC reports he will travel back to LA on weekends.
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Seacrest continues to host "America's Top 40," a radio show that airs on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
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All of this on a weekly basis, plus Seacrest's yearly commitments like hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" and E!'s live coverage for events like the Grammys, Golden Globes and Oscars.
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The new ”Live“ co-host and returning ”American Idol“ host is everywhere. Here’s a breakdown of all his endeavors

Now that Ryan Seacrest has added hosting a rebooted "American Idol" to his list of seemingly never-ending jobs, we decided to look at a week in the life of the broadcaster, TV host, producer, philanthropist, fashion designer and dog-lover.

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This Is Everything Ryan Seacrest Does in a Week (Photos)

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