AMERICAN IDOL Judges to Return

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie have signed on to return to AMERICAN IDOL, ABC announced. Additionally, Bobby Bones will return as the show’s in-house mentor.

“‘American Idol’ is the original music competition series,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment, in a statement. “It was the first of its kind to take everyday singers and catapult them into superstardom, launching the careers of so many amazing artists. We couldn’t be more excited for Katy, Luke, Lionel and Bobby to continue in their roles as ‘American Idol’ searches for the next great music star, with more live episodes and exciting, new creative elements coming this season.”

“We are delighted to have our judges Katy, Luke and Lionel as well as in-house mentor Bobby back on ‘American Idol,’” said executive producer and showrunner Trish Kinane. “They are all credible, hugely successful artists and will bring their expertise, passion and energy to the search for America’s next superstar. They have an undeniable chemistry together making for another fun and exciting season!”

The show has also set its audition locations:

“American Idol” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):

• Mobile, AL: TBD Venue (Aug 20)
• Tallahassee, FL: Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at Florida State University (Aug 23)
• Macon, GA: TBD Venue (Aug 23)
• Santa Barbara, CA: TBD Venue (Aug 23)
• Baton Rouge, LA: Hilton Baton Rouge Capital Center (Aug 25)
• Columbia, SC: TBD Venue (Aug 26)
• Las Vegas, NV: TBD Venue (Aug 26)
• Waco, TX: Waco Convention Center (Aug 27)
• Knoxville, TN: Knoxville Convention Center (Aug 29)
• Salt Lake City, UT: TBD Venue (Aug 29)
• Raleigh, NC: TBD Venue (Sep 1)
• Colorado Springs, CO: TBD Venue (Sep 1)
• Washington D.C.: TBD Venue (Sep 4)
• Wichita, KS: TBD Venue (Sep 4)
• San Jose, CA: San Jose Convention Center (Sep 6)
• Pittsburgh, PA: TBD Venue (Sep 7)
• Springfield, IL: TBD Venue (Sep 7)
• Spokane, WA: Grand Hotel Davenport, Autograph Collection (Sep 8)
• Detroit, MI: TBD Venue (Sep 10)
• Nashville, TN: Nashville Municipal Auditorium (Sep 18)
• Chicago, IL: Wintrust Arena (Sep 21)

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