The new "American Idol" judges will be Katy Perry and two or three others who the new ABC version of the show can afford.
That’s what seems to be the problem with ABC’s version of the reality singing competition, TMZ reported. Producers have reportedly locked in Perry as the anchor judge and Ryan Seacrest as the emcee, but continued to struggle to find two more participants.
The problem, according to TMZ, appears to be money. With Perry set to make $25 million, judge prospect hit singer Lionel Richie is asking for about $10 as well. TMZ said that's double what "American Idol" wants to shell out.
TMZ also reported that the show has not decided if it wants to expand to four judges, despite the fact that they have not signed No. 2 and No. 3 yet. Recorded tryouts in front of judges are set for late September.
People magazine reported last month that Ryan Seacrest has agreed to return has host of the rebooted "American Idol" for $10 million.
"Who am I if not the "American Idol' guy?” Seacrest told The Hollywood Reporter in June about the show's reboot. "I've always loved the show. And if I could do it forever, I would do it forever."
Negotiations with Charlie Puth, Luke Bryan and Keith Urban as possible judges have not moved much. Hit-making producer Nile Rodgers has been mentioned in the conversation as well.
"We're taking a lot of meetings," Rob Mills, ABC's head of alternative programming, told Variety in an interview that was posted Monday. "Some of these meetings have become public.”
"To me, 'talks' means there are negotiations going on and I don't even think we're there yet with anyone. Really. We're taking meetings and doing all the different permutations. We really want to make sure we get it right."
In the past, the celebrity judges on "American Idol" have made the show as interesting as the contestants rising from obscurity – like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson – to become big stars.
Producer Simon Cowell's caustic dress down of some contestants was part of the reason the show caught on with audiences when it first appeared on Fox in 2002. Singer Paula Abdul and producer Randy Jackson rounded out the original "American Idol" judges.
Auditions for contestants started on Thursday in Orlando, Florida
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