American Idol judging panel, Ryan Seacrest all returning for season 19

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 1d

ABC announces that the new season of American Idol will see Ryan Seacrest return as host and Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan back as judges.

ABC has confirmed that all of American Idol's on-screen talent will be returning for the upcoming 19th season of the show.

Ryan Seacrest has hosted the singing contest since its first ever episode on FOX in 2002 and will be back once again for the new run, which will be the fourth season to air on ABC.

The three-strong judging panel of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan will also be returning, the network confirmed in a statement, while announcing that virtual preliminary auditions are currently underway across all 50 states.

The most recent season of the show was forced to adapt rapidly in the light of the coronavirus crisis, with Seacrest, the judges and even the contestants all appearing from their respective homes for the final four episodes.

Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, said: "American Idol has always been able to bring people together, entertain and inspire - and I am so proud of how this show continued to deliver joy and laughter into people's homes during a time when we needed it the most.

"There is no-one who we feel more confident about leading us into a new season of high notes than Luke, Katy, Lionel and the incomparable Ryan Seacrest."

The new season is expected to air in early 2021.