American Idol producers clash with ABC over identity of final judge
A disagreement over the third judge and racial diversity of the panel has pitted American Idol producers and ABC against each other just weeks before filming is due to start.
The American Idol reboot that is arguably just the next season on another channel is struggling to secure their third and final judge — and now the show’s producers and network are clashing over the panel’s diversity, TMZ reports.
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The show locked in Katy Perry back in since May. Then, country star Luke Bryan nabbed the second seat this week. According to the article, producers also consider singer Charlier Pluth. He’s best known for his song, “See You Again,” with Wiz Khalifa. Of course, the song itself gained its popularity as Paul Walker tribute on the Furious 7 soundtrack.
But ABC wants a diverse panel — and there is only one man who has been at the top of their wish list.
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Like most of life’s problems, it could have easily been solved by five-time Grammy award winner Lionel Richie — and money. But bad budgeting and exorbitant salaries have apparently kept him out of the judge’s seat. The reboot was destined to come with a hefty price tag — and everyone knew it. Rival networks openly passed on it because “the economics made no sense.”
Neither did Katy Perry’s controversial $25 million-dollar salary, some said. The eye-watering price tag guaranteed her neighbors would be less high-profile and see a substantially smaller check.
ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey justified it as “right decision so the show can be financially viable.” That wasn’t much comfort to 15-year veteran host Ryan Seacrest, who was initially offered substantially less this season.
TMZ also reports that Fremantle is now considering superstar manager Troy Carter, the man behind everyone from Lady Gaga to John Legend.
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Whatever they do, they better do it quickly. If filming doesn’t start soon, the show is in danger of losing Perry to her Witness tour.