After wrapping up its “final season” in April 2016, everyone thought that American Idol was gone for good. But rumors started swirling that the show may get a reboot, and those rumors turned out to be true.
In a social media announcement, Idol revealed on Tuesday (May 9) that the show is returning in 2018! While the show was previously on FOX, the reboot was picked up by ABC.
This…is #AmericanIdol–coming to @ABCNetwork in 2018! pic.twitter.com/o2sdLAtdar
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) May 9, 2017
Now that everyone knows about Idol‘s return, people are curious to know if their favorite judges will recommit to the show. Back when the buzz about Idol‘s return was still in the rumor stage, judge Jennifer Lopez said she wasn’t sure if she would come back for another season.
There’s a chance that at least one country artist could appear on the show as a judge. Keith Urban judged the show for four seasons, so if Idol wants to bring any country artist back, he would be the go-to pick.
Fans of the show have also been curious to know if former judge Simon Cowell will return for the reboot. Unlike Lopez, Cowell didn’t hold back when asked if he would make his return to Idol.
Speaking to Extra, Cowell revealed that he has “no interest” in returning to the show.
“I was asked to do it, and the answer is no,” he said simply. “Last time I watched, it was not the same show, just the same name. I left for a reason and I never regretted that.”
Cowell served as one of the original judges on Idol, but left in 2010 after eight years on the show. He now can be seen as a judge on various other series, including America’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent, and The X Factor UK.
What do you think of this news? Are you sad that Cowell will not be returning for the Idol reboot?
Who would you like to see as a judge on the show? We personally would love it if Urban came back! Watch him perform with Carrie Underwood during the last season of Idol below.