'American Idol' Season 18: Release date, judges, host, mentor and all you need to know about the reality show
It's almost time for Season 18 of 'American Idol' that will premiere on ABC. After getting picked up by ABC for Season 16, the famed reality TV competition series is set to return next month.
Despite the flak the series received from a few during Season 17 of 'American Idol', fans and viewers are excited to see what the forthcoming series will hold. We already know that three former contestants who appeared in the old seasons will return this year vying for a chance to make it to the end. That said, while there is just a month left for the series to premiere, here is everything you need to know about the forthcoming Season 18 of 'American Idol'.
Release date
'American Idol' Season 18 will premiere on February 16 only on ABC.
Plot
'American Idol' is one of the longest-running reality TV competition series. It starts off with contestants from all over the country taking part in auditions. Out of the slew of hopeful contestants who audition, only 12 will advance to the live shows. These 12 singers will compete through different rounds every week for a chance at winning the title, and a recording contract.
Judges
Despite the budget cuts this season, the series brought back the same judges for the third season in a row.
Katy Perry
Everyone's favorite Katy Perry will be back and will take a seat in the judges' panel. Katy rose to fame with her album 'One of the Boys'. It was a pop-rock record that included singles 'I Kissed a Girl' and 'Hot n Cold'. Ever since then, Katy has won a number of awards that include four Guinness World Records, five American Music Awards, a Brit Award, and a Juno Award.
Luke Bryan
Fan-favorite country singer Luke Bryan started his career by writing songs for Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. He rose to fame in 2007 after he signed a contract with Capitol Nashville along with his cousin. To date, Luke has sold over seven million albums and 27 million singles worldwide. He was also announced as the artist with the seventh most album sales during 2010-2019.
Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie is a famed singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and actor. Lionel was one of the most famed and successful balladeers of the 1980s. From the start of his career to date, Lionel has sold at least 90 million records worldwide. He is considered to be one of the world's best-selling artists of all time.
Host
Ryan Seacrest
Ryan Seacrest is a famed radio personality, television host and producer. He has been hosting 'American Idol' ever since it premiered. He is also known for his appearances on American Top 40, and iHeartMedia's KIIS-FM morning radio show On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Currently, Ryan co-hosts 'Live with Kelly and Ryan'. In 2010, Ryan won an Emmy for producing 'Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution'.
Mentor
Bobby Bones
Bobby Bones will return as this season's in-house mentor once again. Apart from being a mentor on 'American Idol', Bobby is also known for hosting 'The Bobby Bones Show'. Bobby also won the mirrorball during Season 27 of 'Dancing with the Stars' with his partner Sharna Burgess. He was also a judge on Topgolf's series 'Who Will Rock You'.
Trailer
The series hasn't released any teaser as yet, but be sure to check out this space as we will update it once it does.
Where to watch
'American Idol' Season 18 will premiere on February 16 only on ABC.
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