Ray Chew will replace Rickey Minor as the new music director for the upcoming 10th season of "American Idol," according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Chew has served as the bandleader and musical director for several programs including NBC's "The Singing Bee" and "It's Showtime at the Apollo. He also curated all the music for the 2008 Democratic National Convention and President Barack Obama's star-studded inaugural ball in January 2009.
Alicia Keys thanked Chew after winning three Grammys in 2005, as he conducted a 63-piece orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl during Keys' tour for her second album. Chew most recently played piano on Rihanna's hit song "Unfaithful," and he's already working to come up with new arrangements for "Idol."
Minor left "American Idol" to lead "The Tonight Show" band on NBC, where Chew also performed as a member of the "Saturday Night Live" band in the 80s.
Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will make their debut as judges along with Randy Jackson on Jan. 19, when the new season of "American Idol" premieres on Fox.
