‘American Idol’ at 20: “Name One Person That’s Come Off of Another Competition Show”–
Ahead of a historic season, judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan reflect on the show’s pedigree and unique TV legacy.
The following written content by Kirsten Chuba
On June 11, 2002, American Idol premiered its first season on Fox — crowning champion Kelly Clarkson, igniting the reality competition show genre and breaking new technological ground as co-host Ryan Seacrest taught America how to text in their votes. Times change. Reality competitions litter the dial — on broadcast and streaming — but none even dream of luring the 38 million viewers Idol once drew. But the show that long led the pack has remained a relative constant. As the singing show returns Feb. 27 for season 20 (and its fifth on second home ABC), judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan once again lead the search for the country’s next star.
“I think Idol’s success and why it is still thriving is because it’s rooted in something real,” says Rob Mills, Walt Disney TV’s executive vp unscripted and alternative entertainment. “The people who compete become massive stars and better musicians, and that’s a real dream coming true. I also think Luke, Lionel, Katy and Ryan are examples of people who have all lived that dream.”
Ahead of Idol’s big return, its trio of judges reflect on past highlights, industry evolutions and the next 20.
What sold you on joining this new ABC iteration and now sticking around for five seasons?
KATY PERRY That it was going to be like a rebirth and get back to the real talent and get back to giving constructive criticism — or starting that trend — because that’s what we do. I would say that we all have checked some boxes in our careers, and it just felt like it was the right time. We admire each other in our different fields and look to each other to get advice for different contestants. And we get along really well.
LUKE BRYAN With me, it was a really interesting thing to go try TV. I was a country music singer that was working, working, working, doing 200 shows a year, and [now I get to] spend a lot of time on TV and be able to really make a difference in these kids’ lives.
What was your relationship to the show in the 15 seasons before you were judges?
PERRY I’ve always been a huge Kelly Clarkson fan. And I always loved the audition process and Hollywood Week, because it’s survival of the fittest.
LIONEL RICHIE Mine started with [2003 winner] Ruben [Studdard], going way back. I was a touring artist, so I didn’t really lock in because I was always on the road — but I’d see it in a hotel room and pick it up here and there. As time went on, [original judge] Simon [Cowell] and I became very good friends. Simon said, “Would you like to stop by for a minute?” And I did. I met Ryan for the first time. And then segue to now, I never in a million years would think that I would be sitting here talking about, “OK, kid, now you need to raise your voice a little more and you need to get your personality together.” But the point is, we have the knowledge. You wake up one morning and realize we know exactly where you are because we were there. Read more from The Hollywood Reporter.
