Inspite of an actual 18 seasons, 'American Idol' gets RENEWED for Season 3

The franchise singing competition, American Idol has officially been renewed for a third season on ABC. Of course, as we know, that is the show's 18th season overall which includes 15 seasons on Fox channel before it moved to ABC back in 2018.

But the big question that remains is whether Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will return as the judge's panel for the upcoming season. 

As Variety reported on Sunday, ABC and series producer Fremantle are in discussions about ways to bring down costs on the show. Among those is Perry’s salary at an astounding $25 million a year. An individual with knowledge of the negotiations said that offers have been made to all three to return but it remains to be seen if they will sign on again. Host Ryan Seacrest is believed to be under a long-term deal.

In Live+7 through April 21, “Idol’s” two hour Sunday installment is averaging a 1.7 rating in adults 18-49 and 8.9 million viewers, ranking it as the second-highest rated unscripted series on ABC behind “The Bachelor.” The Monday episodes are close behind with a 1.5 rating and 8.3 million viewers. However, the series has hit multiple new lows during its most recent run.