There is no word as yet whether the return will include host Ryan Seacrest and judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who have been a part of the ABC revival since its first season on the alphabet network. Most likely, their contracts are still under negotiation. This season of American Idol has not been without its issues. Lionel had to work from home after coming into contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, Luke actually had COVID and also had to Zoom in for an episode, and more recently, 16-year-old country singer Caleb Kennedy was eliminated from the show after making the Top 5 when a controversial video emerged on social media. Another contestant, Cecil Ray Baker, was charged with burglary of habitation but it took place after he had already been eliminated. The current season finale of American Idol takes place on May 23, and the finalists will include three of the Top 4: Chayce Beckham, Casey Bishop, Grace Kinstler, and Willie Spence. “All these kids are tremendous vocalists, they can sing,” Luke told reporters after last week’s episode. “But it’s up to what America is going to do. The singing aspect at this point in the show becomes a secondary element and it is about the personality, humility, and the being the kid next door. I think people really gravitate towards that!” American Idol airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
