ABC wants to cut costs when the network brings back American Idol for season 3 next year. Nevertheless, ABC is “hopeful” that it can strike a deal with the show’s expensive judges for another season.
The network renewed American Idol earlier this week, but without any announcements regarding the judges panel. Host Ryan Seacrest is reportedly all set–having signed a multi-year contract to appear on the show. Deadline reports that the negotiations with Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are still ongoing and that the two sides “are thought to be far apart.” Replacing Perry, who makes $25 million dollars a season, would go a long way to cutting costs. How much would the pop star be willing to sacrifice to stay on American Idol?
ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke told Deadline that she would renew conversations after Sunday’s (May 19) season two finale.
“Everyone is focused right now on the finale next week, which we’re excited about. We are in those conversations but right now, from our side and the judges, we’re just focused on getting through Sunday and having a great night and we’ll be back in the conversation. I’m very hopeful,” she said at Tuesday’s (May 14) Disney press upfronts event in New York City.
Ratings-wise:
Idol’s two-hour Sunday installment is averaging a 1.7 rating in adults 18-49 and 8.9 million viewers in Live+ 7, ranking it as the second-highest rated unscripted series on ABC behind The Bachelor. The Monday episodes are notching a 1.5 rating and 8.3 million viewers.
On Sunday 3 hour finale, Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg will compete for the crown. Special guests include Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Weezer, Kool and the Gang, and more.
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