The revival of "American Idol" is close to signing its first on-camera star: Katy Perry.
The Hollywood Reporter's sources claim Perry is currently in talks to sign on as judge on ABC's "American Idol" reboot. Perry's arrival would make her the first on-camera celebrity to headline the series. Negotiations on whether former Fox host Ryan Seacrest will be able to return is ongoing, since he is also working on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" and his own radio show. The media outlet reached out to ABC for a comment but a representative declined to speak on Perry's casting.
The suggestion that Perry could be a judge implies that ABC is not holding back on the upcoming reboot. A-list talent played a major role in the reality singing competition series, but the high costs of such talent was allegedly a big reason why it was difficult to keep it on air. Salaries for judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and host Seacrest are believed to have drained the show's financial resources in its later years, leading the producers to make season 15 the last one.
Rumors of Perry's involvement come after some famous "American Idol" winners turned down offers to become judges in the reboot. Well-known alums Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson reportedly said no to the show and decided to judge "The Voice" instead.
Us Weekly reports that Chris Daughtry is also on board as a judge alongside Perry. The "Home" singer was one of the biggest stars from "American Idol." In terms of records sold by former contestants, he ranks third behind Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. The 37-year-old singer competed in the fifth season in 2006, in which he finished fourth place. Taylor Hicks won the season and Katharine McPhee was the runner-up.
"American Idol" is expected to return in March 2018 on ABC.
