Luke Bryan Set To Join American Idol Reboot

Country singer Luke Bryan is reportedly set to become the second judge on ABC's upcoming reboot of American Idol, according to sources for Variety.

If confirmed, Bryan will join the previously announced Katy Perry on the much-anticipated judges' panel, which is still trying to find its third and final judge before auditions officially begin next week.

According to TMZ, part of the hold-up for the last spot has been over issues of racial diversity, which may prevent Freemantle from getting their top choice, singer Charlie Puth. Variety noted that Puth, as well as previous contenders Lionel Richie and Keith Urban, are unlikely to join the reboot, although TMZ claimed that ABC is still keeping its eye on Richie.

A previous report from TMZ also mentioned that the show has been battling budget issues after signing Perry for an astronomical $25 million and host Ryan Seacrest for $10 million.

Whatever the case, the show may need to act fast. According to TMZ, delaying production could conflict with Perry's upcoming Witness tour, which could send everything into "chaos."

Fun!

American Idol 2.0 is expected to premiere in March 2018.