Luke Bryan announced as second judge on ABC’s ‘American Idol’ reboot

Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images For CMT

Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images For CMT

UPDATE Sept. 29:

Variety reported that ABC confirmed on Friday that Luke Bryan is a judge on it's "American Idol" reboot, Lionel Richie is also joining the judges panel, along with previously announced judge Katy Perry.
"Luke and Lionel are the perfect additions to round out our panel of judges for 'American Idol' on ABC," Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment said in a statement. "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."

“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!”

Original story Sept. 25: 

Country singer Luke Bryan is joining ABC's reboot of "American Idol," according to Variety.

The trade publication reported that the country singer joins Katy Perry, who is making $25 million as a judge. She was announced as part of the show in May.

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Musicians Charlie Puth, Keith Urban -- who previously judged on Fox’s original version of the show --  and Lionel Richie were also reportedly in the running for a role as a judge, but none are likely.

Perry's $25 million contract has reportedly taken up a significant amount of the shows budget, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

TMZ reported that Richie's team wanted $10 million for the musician, but it was double what "Idol" wanted to pay.

ABC declined to comment. Representatives for Bryan have not commented.

“American Idol” is set to premiere in March. Auditions begin next week.

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