The Amazon Prime Video competition series “Lol: Last One Laughing” will launch a Canadian edition Feb. 18.
“Last One Laughing Canada” competitors include Caroline Rhea, Dave Foley, Debra Digiovanni, Jon Lajoie, Tom Green, Colin Mochrie, Mae Martin, Brandon Ash Mohammed, Andrew Phung and K. Trevor Wilson. Hosted by Jay Baruchel, the six-part series follows the 10 comedians as they try to eliminate others by making each other laugh, while not laughing themselves. The comedian who outlasts their competitors wins the grand prize of $100,000 for their charity of choice.
Executive Producers are John Brunton, Erin Brock, and Shannon Farr. The series is produced in association with Insight Productions.
“Lol: Last One Laughing Canada” is the latest adaptation of “Documental,” an Amazon Original series in Japan owned by Yoshimoto Kogyo and created by and starring Hitoshi Matsumoto — where Matsumoto leads 10 comedians who bet their own money in a “battle of laughter behind closed doors.
“Last One Laughing Canada” competitors include Caroline Rhea, Dave Foley, Debra Digiovanni, Jon Lajoie, Tom Green, Colin Mochrie, Mae Martin, Brandon Ash Mohammed, Andrew Phung and K. Trevor Wilson. Hosted by Jay Baruchel, the six-part series follows the 10 comedians as they try to eliminate others by making each other laugh, while not laughing themselves. The comedian who outlasts their competitors wins the grand prize of $100,000 for their charity of choice.
Executive Producers are John Brunton, Erin Brock, and Shannon Farr. The series is produced in association with Insight Productions.
“Lol: Last One Laughing Canada” is the latest adaptation of “Documental,” an Amazon Original series in Japan owned by Yoshimoto Kogyo and created by and starring Hitoshi Matsumoto — where Matsumoto leads 10 comedians who bet their own money in a “battle of laughter behind closed doors.
- 1/13/2022
- by Wyatte Grantham-Philips
- Variety Film + TV
American Idol isn’t planning to replace mentor Bobby Bones directly and will instead lean on a number of alums of the talent contest.
Bones revealed last week earlier this year that he would not be starring in season 20 of the ABC as a result of a conflict with another show.
Instead, showrunner and exec producer Megan Michaels Wolflick said, “There’s not anyone to replace Bobby per se, but this year we will be leaning into our amazing American Idol universe alum to help our current Idols along the way in different stages of the competition. Lots of those familiar faces America has grown to love will be seen throughout the season and we’re really excited to give back.”
It comes as the network launched a trailer for the show’s 20th anniversary, which features clips from American Idol stars of the past including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Adam Lambert.
Bones revealed last week earlier this year that he would not be starring in season 20 of the ABC as a result of a conflict with another show.
Instead, showrunner and exec producer Megan Michaels Wolflick said, “There’s not anyone to replace Bobby per se, but this year we will be leaning into our amazing American Idol universe alum to help our current Idols along the way in different stages of the competition. Lots of those familiar faces America has grown to love will be seen throughout the season and we’re really excited to give back.”
It comes as the network launched a trailer for the show’s 20th anniversary, which features clips from American Idol stars of the past including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Adam Lambert.
- 1/12/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Megan Michaels Wolflick grew up watching her dad, David Michaels, produce the Olympic Games for NBC.
The sporting achievements in Athens and Beijing would have led to a few tears, but now Michaels Wolflick is in charge of making viewers weep after taking sole charge of American Idol as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Michaels Wolflick, whose musical interest was sparked by artists like The Cranberries and Tori Amos, took over as sole showrunner of the ABC singing contest following Trish Kinane’s decision to step down earlier this year.
As it enters production on its fifth season on ABC, Michaels Wolflick tells Deadline about her plans for the upcoming run and how she’s aiming to keep the Fremantle-produced show belting out the hits for many more years.
Michaels Wolflick (left) is currently in Austin, Texas, the first stop of a three city tour that will also take in Nashville,...
The sporting achievements in Athens and Beijing would have led to a few tears, but now Michaels Wolflick is in charge of making viewers weep after taking sole charge of American Idol as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Michaels Wolflick, whose musical interest was sparked by artists like The Cranberries and Tori Amos, took over as sole showrunner of the ABC singing contest following Trish Kinane’s decision to step down earlier this year.
As it enters production on its fifth season on ABC, Michaels Wolflick tells Deadline about her plans for the upcoming run and how she’s aiming to keep the Fremantle-produced show belting out the hits for many more years.
Michaels Wolflick (left) is currently in Austin, Texas, the first stop of a three city tour that will also take in Nashville,...
- 10/6/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Dustin Tavella’s got talent, and that’s why he just won Season 16 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Enjoy that $1 million and slot at the “America’s Got Talent Las Vegas Live” residency, which is opening this fall at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. (Now don’t blow the $1 million on the slots.)
In addition to performances from the 10 Season 16 finalists, Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, Bishop Briggs, George Lopez, Rico Rodriguez, “AGT” Season 9 winner Mat Franco and silver medal-winning gymnasts Jordan Chiles and MyKayla Skinner appeared on Wednesday’s finale.
“AGT” is judged by Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum. The top summer show is hosted by Terry Crews. “America’s Got Talent” was created by Cowell and is co-produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment. Cowell, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff, Trish Kinane and Richard Wallace are the executive producers.
Below are bios for this season’s Top 10.
Aiden...
In addition to performances from the 10 Season 16 finalists, Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, Bishop Briggs, George Lopez, Rico Rodriguez, “AGT” Season 9 winner Mat Franco and silver medal-winning gymnasts Jordan Chiles and MyKayla Skinner appeared on Wednesday’s finale.
“AGT” is judged by Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum. The top summer show is hosted by Terry Crews. “America’s Got Talent” was created by Cowell and is co-produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment. Cowell, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff, Trish Kinane and Richard Wallace are the executive producers.
Below are bios for this season’s Top 10.
Aiden...
- 9/16/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
American Idol’s gang is intact.
Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest are all returning for the fifth season on ABC and the 20th season overall.
The series will return in spring 2022.
Season five auditions will kick off August 6, with the return of Idol Across America, its live virtual nationwide search for stars taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
It will mark the first season under the leadership of showrunner and exec producer Megan Wolflick, who takes over sole control following the retirement of veteran showrunner Trish Kinane.
The series is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Wolflick, Fremantle’s Jennifer Mullin and Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment.
“Luke, Katy, Lionel and Ryan are music and industry icons that have become synonymous with Idol on ABC,” said Rob Mills,...
Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest are all returning for the fifth season on ABC and the 20th season overall.
The series will return in spring 2022.
Season five auditions will kick off August 6, with the return of Idol Across America, its live virtual nationwide search for stars taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
It will mark the first season under the leadership of showrunner and exec producer Megan Wolflick, who takes over sole control following the retirement of veteran showrunner Trish Kinane.
The series is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Wolflick, Fremantle’s Jennifer Mullin and Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment.
“Luke, Katy, Lionel and Ryan are music and industry icons that have become synonymous with Idol on ABC,” said Rob Mills,...
- 8/3/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: This story includes details about the May 23rd finale of American Idol
The season finale of American Idol is here and a victor has been crowned.
Chayce Beckham was chosen as the winner of 19th season of American Idol.
Grace Kinstler was the first to go earlier in the episode. Willie Spence fell short of votes and was the runner-up of the 2021 season of American Idol.
It was reported earlier this month that American Idol has been renewed for a fifth season on ABC – taking its total run to 20 seasons.
There’s no official news on whether judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest will return but the Disney-owned network is confident that they will back for next year. Last year, the show was renewed in May and the judges were resigned in August so it’s not a surprise.
ABC said that...
The season finale of American Idol is here and a victor has been crowned.
Chayce Beckham was chosen as the winner of 19th season of American Idol.
Grace Kinstler was the first to go earlier in the episode. Willie Spence fell short of votes and was the runner-up of the 2021 season of American Idol.
It was reported earlier this month that American Idol has been renewed for a fifth season on ABC – taking its total run to 20 seasons.
There’s no official news on whether judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest will return but the Disney-owned network is confident that they will back for next year. Last year, the show was renewed in May and the judges were resigned in August so it’s not a surprise.
ABC said that...
- 5/24/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Trish Kinane is stepping down as “American Idol” showrunner and president of entertainment programming at Fremantle. Megan Michaels Wolflick will replace her as lead “Idol” producer.
Kinane will continue on with “American Idol” as an executive producer and consultant, Fremantle said on Thursday.
“Trish’s leadership, endless creativity and contributions to Fremantle over the past decade are immeasurable,” Jennifer Mullin, global CEO for Fremantle, said on Thursday. “She has an inspiring hunger to innovate, and I am delighted that she will stay on with us in her new role. I am equally pleased to welcome Megan to hers.”
“I am happy to have been instrumental in the continued success of ‘America’s Got Talent’ and to have refreshed the ‘American Idol’ format, shepherding it through its last years on Fox to its new home, and its recent commission for a 5th season, on ABC,” Kinane said in a statement. “I am...
Kinane will continue on with “American Idol” as an executive producer and consultant, Fremantle said on Thursday.
“Trish’s leadership, endless creativity and contributions to Fremantle over the past decade are immeasurable,” Jennifer Mullin, global CEO for Fremantle, said on Thursday. “She has an inspiring hunger to innovate, and I am delighted that she will stay on with us in her new role. I am equally pleased to welcome Megan to hers.”
“I am happy to have been instrumental in the continued success of ‘America’s Got Talent’ and to have refreshed the ‘American Idol’ format, shepherding it through its last years on Fox to its new home, and its recent commission for a 5th season, on ABC,” Kinane said in a statement. “I am...
- 5/20/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Exclusive: It’s the end of another era for American Idol.
Showrunner Trish Kinane is stepping down and retiring from the ABC show with exec producer Megan Michaels Wolflick moving up to take the big chair.
It comes ahead of the finale of season four on May 23 and after it was renewed for season five.
Kinane has been showrunner of American Idol since 2016 with season 15, its last on Fox, and the four seasons on ABC since 2018. She has been an exec producer of American Idol since its launch in the U.S. She has also held a dual role of President of Entertainment Programming for Fremantle and will also be stepping down from that position.
She will stay on as a consultant and exec producer on the show.
Megan Michaels Wolflick, who has been Kinane’s right hand for the last few years, has worked in various roles on the show for over 15 years.
Showrunner Trish Kinane is stepping down and retiring from the ABC show with exec producer Megan Michaels Wolflick moving up to take the big chair.
It comes ahead of the finale of season four on May 23 and after it was renewed for season five.
Kinane has been showrunner of American Idol since 2016 with season 15, its last on Fox, and the four seasons on ABC since 2018. She has been an exec producer of American Idol since its launch in the U.S. She has also held a dual role of President of Entertainment Programming for Fremantle and will also be stepping down from that position.
She will stay on as a consultant and exec producer on the show.
Megan Michaels Wolflick, who has been Kinane’s right hand for the last few years, has worked in various roles on the show for over 15 years.
- 5/20/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Five unscripted shows are coming back for another season at ABC, including newcomers “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” and “Supermarket Sweep.”
“Supermarket Sweep” the celeb-heavy “Wheel” will each return for a Season 2 in 2021-2022, though both are versions of previously well-known formats. The former, hosted by Leslie Jones, is a revival of the original series that aired on ABC from 1965-1967 and has since been adapted in 13 global territories and was recently launched in the U.K. “Wheel,” hosted by Pat Sajak and Vanna White, is exec produced by Mike Richards and produced by Sony Pictures TV.
The longest-running of ABC’s renewed unscripted series, “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” will be back for Season 32. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, the clip show is produced by Vin Di Bona Productions, with Vin Di Bona and Michele Nasraway serve as executive producers.
“American Idol” — now in its 19th season overall, including its original 15-season...
“Supermarket Sweep” the celeb-heavy “Wheel” will each return for a Season 2 in 2021-2022, though both are versions of previously well-known formats. The former, hosted by Leslie Jones, is a revival of the original series that aired on ABC from 1965-1967 and has since been adapted in 13 global territories and was recently launched in the U.K. “Wheel,” hosted by Pat Sajak and Vanna White, is exec produced by Mike Richards and produced by Sony Pictures TV.
The longest-running of ABC’s renewed unscripted series, “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” will be back for Season 32. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, the clip show is produced by Vin Di Bona Productions, with Vin Di Bona and Michele Nasraway serve as executive producers.
“American Idol” — now in its 19th season overall, including its original 15-season...
- 5/13/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
American Idol will be back to burst out another tune.
The singing competition has been renewed for a fifth season at ABC – taking its total run of seasons to 20.
This comes ahead of the season finale on Sunday May 23.
The series, which is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment, was one of the first shows to bring back live audiences after the pandemic hit productions.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2020-21 Season
There’s no official news on whether judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest will return but the Disney-owned network is confident that they will back for next year. Last year, the show was renewed in May and the judges were resigned in August so it’s not a surprise.
ABC said that American Idol is averaging 9.4M viewers after 35 days of delayed viewing across linear...
The singing competition has been renewed for a fifth season at ABC – taking its total run of seasons to 20.
This comes ahead of the season finale on Sunday May 23.
The series, which is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment, was one of the first shows to bring back live audiences after the pandemic hit productions.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2020-21 Season
There’s no official news on whether judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest will return but the Disney-owned network is confident that they will back for next year. Last year, the show was renewed in May and the judges were resigned in August so it’s not a surprise.
ABC said that American Idol is averaging 9.4M viewers after 35 days of delayed viewing across linear...
- 5/13/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Luke Bryan Returns As ‘American Idol’ Judge After Missing First Live Show Due To Positive Covid Test
American Idol‘s Luke Bryan released a video message this evening confirming his return to the judges’ table for tonight’s show. He missed the first live show of the season last week after contracting Covid-19.
The country singer, who joined the ABC series at the top of its 16th season, revealed the news on Twitter. He wrote, “I’m back and I’ll see y’all shortly for American Idol! We’re live at 8/7c and voting starts at the top of the show. Tune in! #americanidol.”
Bryan added in an accompanying video message, “I’m back and feeling awesome. I’m so glad to be back at the judges’ table.”
The decorated country singer was replaced by original American Idol judge Paula Abdul last week. Bryan left an empty seat at the judges’ table for the episode while Abdul stepped in to help Lionel Richie and Katy Perry make their decisions.
The country singer, who joined the ABC series at the top of its 16th season, revealed the news on Twitter. He wrote, “I’m back and I’ll see y’all shortly for American Idol! We’re live at 8/7c and voting starts at the top of the show. Tune in! #americanidol.”
Bryan added in an accompanying video message, “I’m back and feeling awesome. I’m so glad to be back at the judges’ table.”
The decorated country singer was replaced by original American Idol judge Paula Abdul last week. Bryan left an empty seat at the judges’ table for the episode while Abdul stepped in to help Lionel Richie and Katy Perry make their decisions.
- 4/19/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Luke Bryan will not take part in Monday night’s “American Idol” — the first live show of the ABC talent competition’s current season — after testing positive for Covid-19.
In his absence, judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will be joined by one of the original “American Idol” judges, Paula Abdul. This will be the first time Abdul has returned to “Idol” since the show’s original run on Fox; she was a judge on Seasons 1-8 alongside Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
Bryan shared the news of his Covid diagnosis in a tweet Monday morning, writing, “I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show. I tested positive for Covid but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.”
I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show.
In his absence, judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will be joined by one of the original “American Idol” judges, Paula Abdul. This will be the first time Abdul has returned to “Idol” since the show’s original run on Fox; she was a judge on Seasons 1-8 alongside Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
Bryan shared the news of his Covid diagnosis in a tweet Monday morning, writing, “I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show. I tested positive for Covid but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.”
I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show.
- 4/12/2021
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
‘American Idol’ Judge Luke Bryan Contracts Covid-19, Paula Abdul To Guest On ABC Show’s Live Episode
American Idol‘s Luke Bryan is set to miss out on the ABC competition series’ first live show of the season after contracting Covid-19. He will be replaced by original American Idol judge Paula Abdul for the episode.
Country singer Bryan, who joined the ABC series at the top of its 16th season, revealed the news on social media. “I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @americanidol show,” he wrote. “I tested positive for Covid but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.”
Monday’s episode, which will air from 8-10 p.m., will mark the ABC’s competition series’ return to the studio with a live audience. While Bryan leaves an empty seat at the judges’ table for the upcoming episode, Abdul will step in to help Lionel Richie and Katy Perry make their decisions.
Country singer Bryan, who joined the ABC series at the top of its 16th season, revealed the news on social media. “I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @americanidol show,” he wrote. “I tested positive for Covid but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.”
Monday’s episode, which will air from 8-10 p.m., will mark the ABC’s competition series’ return to the studio with a live audience. While Bryan leaves an empty seat at the judges’ table for the upcoming episode, Abdul will step in to help Lionel Richie and Katy Perry make their decisions.
- 4/12/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
American Idol is throwing a major curveball at its Season 19 contestants: Only nine of them will advance to the Top 10 later this spring, with the final spot going to a contestant from last season.
ABC announced Monday that 10 singers from Season 18 — including runner-up Arthur Gunn — will return to Idol and compete for a spot in the current season’s Top 10. As executive producer and showrunner Trish Kinane told Billboard, the show wanted to give Season 18’s contestants a chance to perform on the big Idol stage, after the coronavirus pandemic forced live shows to happen remotely from singers’ homes last year.
ABC announced Monday that 10 singers from Season 18 — including runner-up Arthur Gunn — will return to Idol and compete for a spot in the current season’s Top 10. As executive producer and showrunner Trish Kinane told Billboard, the show wanted to give Season 18’s contestants a chance to perform on the big Idol stage, after the coronavirus pandemic forced live shows to happen remotely from singers’ homes last year.
- 4/12/2021
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: American Idol is heading back to the studio and is bringing a live audience with it – becoming one of the biggest non-scripted series to find a way to get crowds in safely.
The talent contest is nine episodes into its fourth season on ABC and has successfully navigated the pandemic to avoid looking like a Zoom format.
Producer Fremantle is now back in Television City with around 50 people let in to watch and react to its upcoming All Star Duets round. Showrunner Trish Kinane told Deadline that the show has worked closely with the L.A. County Department of Public Health to find safe way for fans to join. Audience members will be masked, tested and seated in pods with their immediate households.
She said that there’s a “real buzz to being back with real people with real singing and a real audience” and that it was always...
The talent contest is nine episodes into its fourth season on ABC and has successfully navigated the pandemic to avoid looking like a Zoom format.
Producer Fremantle is now back in Television City with around 50 people let in to watch and react to its upcoming All Star Duets round. Showrunner Trish Kinane told Deadline that the show has worked closely with the L.A. County Department of Public Health to find safe way for fans to join. Audience members will be masked, tested and seated in pods with their immediate households.
She said that there’s a “real buzz to being back with real people with real singing and a real audience” and that it was always...
- 3/30/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: American Idol‘s core on-screen team is staying intact for the upcoming fourth season. Bobby Bones has closed a deal to return as in-house mentor, joining previously announced judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest. Bones will once again offer industry expertise, helping hopefuls their performances to the next level. The ABC singing competition, which ranked as the top broadcast series on Sunday nights among adults 18-49, is set to return in 2021.
Bones raised questions over his future on Idol in August when he retweeted Deadline’s story announcing Bryan, Perry, Richie and Seacrest’s Season 4 return with the comment “tension….” He later explained to concerned fans that he had another show in the works. Bones is set to star in a new travel TV show titled “Breaking Bobby Bones,” coming soon to National Geographic
jk jk jk . it just describes whats going on. I...
Bones raised questions over his future on Idol in August when he retweeted Deadline’s story announcing Bryan, Perry, Richie and Seacrest’s Season 4 return with the comment “tension….” He later explained to concerned fans that he had another show in the works. Bones is set to star in a new travel TV show titled “Breaking Bobby Bones,” coming soon to National Geographic
jk jk jk . it just describes whats going on. I...
- 10/12/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: American Idol was one of the first major entertainment formats to battle through the Covid-19 production shutdown to finish its last season with a series of episodes filmed remotely.
The talent competition is now heading into production on its fourth season for ABC and is back at its usual scale, albeit safely.
Deadline understands that filming begins today with the judge’s auditions episodes, filmed at a number of locations across California. While in previous seasons, the show would be filmed across the country – last year for instance, it filmed in locations including in Georgia and Wisconsin – this year it is staying slightly closer to home as a result of the pandemic.
Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, who gave birth in August, are back with host Ryan Seacrest. However, instead of all sitting at the same table, the trio will have separate tables and there will...
The talent competition is now heading into production on its fourth season for ABC and is back at its usual scale, albeit safely.
Deadline understands that filming begins today with the judge’s auditions episodes, filmed at a number of locations across California. While in previous seasons, the show would be filmed across the country – last year for instance, it filmed in locations including in Georgia and Wisconsin – this year it is staying slightly closer to home as a result of the pandemic.
Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, who gave birth in August, are back with host Ryan Seacrest. However, instead of all sitting at the same table, the trio will have separate tables and there will...
- 10/5/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
(Spoiler alert: Do not read this post if you do not want to know who won Season 15 of “America’s Got Talent.” But also, why did you click on it?)
“America’s Got Talent” has crowned its Season 15 winner: Congratulations to Brandon Leake!
On Wednesday, Alan Silva (aerial act), Archie Williams (singer), Bad Salsa (dance duo), Bello Sisters (hand-balancing act), Leake (spoken word artist), Broken Roots (singers/musicians), Cristina Rae (singer), Daneliya Tuleshova (singer), Kenadi Dodds (singer/musician) and Roberta Battaglia (singer) duked it out for the $1 million grand prize and the opportunity to perform live at Luxor Las Vegas.
Congrats @Called_To_Move!! Winner Of #AGT Season 15!! pic.twitter.com/TWv5QZb00l
— AGT Auditions (@AGTAuditions) September 24, 2020
Blake Shelton, Usher, OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder, Ava Max, Bishop Briggs, Jp Saxe and Julia Michaels performed on the Season 15 finale, as did “AGT” Season 14 finalists, the Detroit Youth Choir.
YouTube star David Dobrik...
“America’s Got Talent” has crowned its Season 15 winner: Congratulations to Brandon Leake!
On Wednesday, Alan Silva (aerial act), Archie Williams (singer), Bad Salsa (dance duo), Bello Sisters (hand-balancing act), Leake (spoken word artist), Broken Roots (singers/musicians), Cristina Rae (singer), Daneliya Tuleshova (singer), Kenadi Dodds (singer/musician) and Roberta Battaglia (singer) duked it out for the $1 million grand prize and the opportunity to perform live at Luxor Las Vegas.
Congrats @Called_To_Move!! Winner Of #AGT Season 15!! pic.twitter.com/TWv5QZb00l
— AGT Auditions (@AGTAuditions) September 24, 2020
Blake Shelton, Usher, OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder, Ava Max, Bishop Briggs, Jp Saxe and Julia Michaels performed on the Season 15 finale, as did “AGT” Season 14 finalists, the Detroit Youth Choir.
YouTube star David Dobrik...
- 9/24/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
American Idol is gearing up to produce another season during a worldwide pandemic.
And it will do so with the same judging panel that have been with the series since it debuted on ABC.
Yep, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie have officially been signed up for its fourth season on ABC -- and 19th overall.
Ryan Seacrest will also return as host, which is great because we could not imagine anyone else in that role.
“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,” ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said in a statement.
“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.
And it will do so with the same judging panel that have been with the series since it debuted on ABC.
Yep, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie have officially been signed up for its fourth season on ABC -- and 19th overall.
Ryan Seacrest will also return as host, which is great because we could not imagine anyone else in that role.
“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,” ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said in a statement.
“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.
- 8/19/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The lineup of judges for “American Idol” will remain the same next season.
Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie have all agreed deals to come back to the series, alongside host Ryan Seacrest.
The news comes around four months after ABC renewed the talent show for a fourth season at the network. Like many of its un-scripted counterparts, “Idol” was disrupted by the coronavirus towards the end of last season, and was forced into filming remote episodes for the first time in its history.
Rather than its traditional tour of America to find the next big music superstar, the upcoming season will be cast using via remote virtual auditions taking place across every state.
“’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...
Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie have all agreed deals to come back to the series, alongside host Ryan Seacrest.
The news comes around four months after ABC renewed the talent show for a fourth season at the network. Like many of its un-scripted counterparts, “Idol” was disrupted by the coronavirus towards the end of last season, and was forced into filming remote episodes for the first time in its history.
Rather than its traditional tour of America to find the next big music superstar, the upcoming season will be cast using via remote virtual auditions taking place across every state.
“’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...
- 8/19/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Not since the days of Randy, Paula and Simon has American Idol‘s judging panel seen such stability.
ABC announced Wednesday that Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie are all set to return for Idol‘s fourth cycle on ABC (and it’s 19th season overall). They’ll be joined by veteran host Ryan Seacrest.
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Conspicuously absent from the...
ABC announced Wednesday that Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie are all set to return for Idol‘s fourth cycle on ABC (and it’s 19th season overall). They’ll be joined by veteran host Ryan Seacrest.
More from TVLine'Dancing With the Stars' Sets Season 29 Premiere Date — Which Pros Are Returning?'Bachelorette' Twist: Chris Harrison Out, JoJo Fletcher In as Host — ReportSarah Hyland to Star in ABC Comedy Yours, Mine & Paul's From EP Ty Burrell
Conspicuously absent from the...
- 8/19/2020
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
The American Idol gang is getting the band back together for another gig after judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest all signed up for next season.
However, it’s still to be determined whether in-house mentor Bobby Bones will be part of the fourth season of ABC’s reality competition format, which was renewed back in May and will air in 2021.
Deadline understands that there are still conversations ongoing as to whether Bones, who recently signed up to a 16-part Nat Geo travelogue, Breaking Bobby Bones, will return or not.
Last month, producers Fremantle revealed that they would swap their traditional live bus tour search across America for contestants for a digital version due to Covid-19.
American Idol is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle’s Trish Kinane, who returns as showrunner, Jennifer Mullin and Megan Wolflick,...
However, it’s still to be determined whether in-house mentor Bobby Bones will be part of the fourth season of ABC’s reality competition format, which was renewed back in May and will air in 2021.
Deadline understands that there are still conversations ongoing as to whether Bones, who recently signed up to a 16-part Nat Geo travelogue, Breaking Bobby Bones, will return or not.
Last month, producers Fremantle revealed that they would swap their traditional live bus tour search across America for contestants for a digital version due to Covid-19.
American Idol is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle’s Trish Kinane, who returns as showrunner, Jennifer Mullin and Megan Wolflick,...
- 8/19/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
American Idol is eschewing its live casting roadshow for a virtual tour.
The ABC competition series was renewed for a fourth season in May. Producers Fremantle generally kick off a live bus tour across American during the summer in search of contestants but this year the hunt will be digital due to Covid-19.
The first round of auditions – Idol Across America – will now be hosted using custom-built Zoom technology.
It will start August 10 with remote auditions taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, DC. It will run through September 9. Contestants, who must be between 15 and 28, can sign up online.
Last year, the show found Arthur Gunn, who moved from Nepal to Kansas after he turned up to one of Idol’s bus-stops.
Earlier this spring, when finishing up its third season on ABC, Idol showrunner and President of Entertainment Programming for FremantleMedia North America Trish Kinane told Deadline that there...
The ABC competition series was renewed for a fourth season in May. Producers Fremantle generally kick off a live bus tour across American during the summer in search of contestants but this year the hunt will be digital due to Covid-19.
The first round of auditions – Idol Across America – will now be hosted using custom-built Zoom technology.
It will start August 10 with remote auditions taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, DC. It will run through September 9. Contestants, who must be between 15 and 28, can sign up online.
Last year, the show found Arthur Gunn, who moved from Nepal to Kansas after he turned up to one of Idol’s bus-stops.
Earlier this spring, when finishing up its third season on ABC, Idol showrunner and President of Entertainment Programming for FremantleMedia North America Trish Kinane told Deadline that there...
- 7/31/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“American Idol” is resuming auditions, but amid the coronavirus pandemic, they will be held remotely, ABC announced Friday.
This allows the usual “Idol Across America” tour to expand out and include all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. — for the first time since the show’s inception. Auditions for the upcoming fourth season on the Alphabet network begin Aug. 10, and this time around, hopeful contestants can perform across any official audition date.
Those auditioning will still receive “face time” with a show producer — just digitally. This allows everyone to still receive feedback in real time. The show will use custom-built Zoom technology to host this nationwide search for the next singing sensation.
While this is the first time the show will be holding auditions this way, “Idol” is no stranger to remote production, having finished it most recent season that way. Contestants performed from their various homes, with the show’s...
This allows the usual “Idol Across America” tour to expand out and include all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. — for the first time since the show’s inception. Auditions for the upcoming fourth season on the Alphabet network begin Aug. 10, and this time around, hopeful contestants can perform across any official audition date.
Those auditioning will still receive “face time” with a show producer — just digitally. This allows everyone to still receive feedback in real time. The show will use custom-built Zoom technology to host this nationwide search for the next singing sensation.
While this is the first time the show will be holding auditions this way, “Idol” is no stranger to remote production, having finished it most recent season that way. Contestants performed from their various homes, with the show’s...
- 7/31/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
American Idol finished in an unusual fashion this year with its live shows being filmed remotely as a result of Covid-19.
The team behind the music talent competition will be hoping for smoother sailing for its next run in 2021.
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke is also hoping that all of the stars on the show, including Katy Perry, who is set to give birth to her first child this summer, will return.
Perry was one of the judges alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan with Ryan Seacrest hosting and Bobby Bones acting as in-house mentor.
“I love American Idol and was very proud how they pivoted to the production realities of this season. I thought they produced a phenomenal season and I thought the judges were fantastic and I’m hopeful that everybody is returning,” Burke told Deadline.
The I Kissed A Girl singer has previously said that she wishes...
The team behind the music talent competition will be hoping for smoother sailing for its next run in 2021.
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke is also hoping that all of the stars on the show, including Katy Perry, who is set to give birth to her first child this summer, will return.
Perry was one of the judges alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan with Ryan Seacrest hosting and Bobby Bones acting as in-house mentor.
“I love American Idol and was very proud how they pivoted to the production realities of this season. I thought they produced a phenomenal season and I thought the judges were fantastic and I’m hopeful that everybody is returning,” Burke told Deadline.
The I Kissed A Girl singer has previously said that she wishes...
- 6/17/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Variety Streaming Room: Film, TV Executives on Adapting to New Production Challenges During Pandemic
When Covid-19 forced television studios to close their doors, long-running late-night shows such as “Conan” were faced with a dilemma. Was it possible to keep being funny and lifting audiences’s spirits from home? So, Conan O’Brien and his team set out to recreate their particular brand of comedy via Zoom.
“We had no choice,” Jeff Ross, executive producer at Conan and CEO of Team Coco, said during the third episode of the Variety Streaming Room weekly series “Rebooting the Entertainment Industry.” “We went through it during the writer’s strike, after 9/11 — we realized we could do a show. Now, it’s Conan at home alone with an iPhone and a laptop, Zooming interviews and shooting comedy alone and uploading media from his phone, which can’t last that much longer…I think the audience gets it and I think the audience kind of appreciates it.”
Ross and O’Brien aren’t alone.
“We had no choice,” Jeff Ross, executive producer at Conan and CEO of Team Coco, said during the third episode of the Variety Streaming Room weekly series “Rebooting the Entertainment Industry.” “We went through it during the writer’s strike, after 9/11 — we realized we could do a show. Now, it’s Conan at home alone with an iPhone and a laptop, Zooming interviews and shooting comedy alone and uploading media from his phone, which can’t last that much longer…I think the audience gets it and I think the audience kind of appreciates it.”
Ross and O’Brien aren’t alone.
- 5/27/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
ABC has renewed “American Idol” for a fourth season.
The singing competition series, like the rest of the television industry, has faced production shutdowns due to the coronavirus. But instead of going off the air, the show has been airing episodes filmed remotely since April 26, with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, mentor Bobby Bones, and all top 20 contestants shooting their segments from home.
The Season 3 finale airs Sunday, May 17 at 8 p.m. Et, at which point viewers will first vote to narrow the talent pool down from seven to five and then later crown the winner.
Also Read: Ryan Seacrest Kept the Original 'American Idol' Desk For Years - Now He's Finally Using It (Video)
Performers set to appear on the finale include Cynthia Erivo performing a medley of Aretha Franklin songs with the Top 11; Lauren Daigle and the...
The singing competition series, like the rest of the television industry, has faced production shutdowns due to the coronavirus. But instead of going off the air, the show has been airing episodes filmed remotely since April 26, with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, mentor Bobby Bones, and all top 20 contestants shooting their segments from home.
The Season 3 finale airs Sunday, May 17 at 8 p.m. Et, at which point viewers will first vote to narrow the talent pool down from seven to five and then later crown the winner.
Also Read: Ryan Seacrest Kept the Original 'American Idol' Desk For Years - Now He's Finally Using It (Video)
Performers set to appear on the finale include Cynthia Erivo performing a medley of Aretha Franklin songs with the Top 11; Lauren Daigle and the...
- 5/15/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell and Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
“American Idol” has been renewed for a fourth season at ABC.
The news comes just days ahead of the Season 3 finale, which will air on the broadcast network on May 17. Among the performances scheduled for the finale are: Luke Bryan performing his new single “One Margarita;” Katy Perry performing her new single “Daisies;” and Lionel Richie performing “We Are the World” along with his fellow “Idol” judges, the top 11 contestants, and several past “American Idol” winners.
The top 7 going into the finale are Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Francisco Martin, Jonny West, Julia Gargano, Just Sam, and Louis Knight.
The show would typically end with a splashy live finale, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the storied singing competition series to begin filming remote episodes for the first time in its history.
The judges to date in the ABC incarnation of the show have been Bryan, Perry, and Richie, as well as host Ryan Seacrest.
The news comes just days ahead of the Season 3 finale, which will air on the broadcast network on May 17. Among the performances scheduled for the finale are: Luke Bryan performing his new single “One Margarita;” Katy Perry performing her new single “Daisies;” and Lionel Richie performing “We Are the World” along with his fellow “Idol” judges, the top 11 contestants, and several past “American Idol” winners.
The top 7 going into the finale are Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Francisco Martin, Jonny West, Julia Gargano, Just Sam, and Louis Knight.
The show would typically end with a splashy live finale, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the storied singing competition series to begin filming remote episodes for the first time in its history.
The judges to date in the ABC incarnation of the show have been Bryan, Perry, and Richie, as well as host Ryan Seacrest.
- 5/15/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
American Idol will sing another song for ABC after the network renewed the Fremantle talent contest for a fourth season.
However, the network on Friday did not reveal whether the judges — Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — along with host Ryan Seacrest, would return. Perry is pregnant and expected to have her baby later this summer, so there are question marks about whether she will return.
The renewal will bring the total number of seasons for the long-running format to 19 in the U.S., having previously aired on Fox between 2002-2016.
The news comes comes ahead of the current season’s live finale Sunday, when the show will crown its next singing sensation in slightly unusual circumstances; the show had returned from the Covid-19 shutdown April 26 with remotely produced episodes.
Kicking off the finale event following America’s last nationwide vote, the road comes to an end for two...
However, the network on Friday did not reveal whether the judges — Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — along with host Ryan Seacrest, would return. Perry is pregnant and expected to have her baby later this summer, so there are question marks about whether she will return.
The renewal will bring the total number of seasons for the long-running format to 19 in the U.S., having previously aired on Fox between 2002-2016.
The news comes comes ahead of the current season’s live finale Sunday, when the show will crown its next singing sensation in slightly unusual circumstances; the show had returned from the Covid-19 shutdown April 26 with remotely produced episodes.
Kicking off the finale event following America’s last nationwide vote, the road comes to an end for two...
- 5/15/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC is pressing forward with two of its most beloved summer series.
The Peacock network has announced that America's Got Talent and World of Dance will both return to the air this summer.
There was some confusion about whether the shows could go ahead, given the Coronavirus Pandemic, which has brought TV production to a halt.
America’s Got Talent, with new judge Sofia Vergara, along with Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, and host Terry Crews, debuts on May 26 at 8 Pm Et/Pt.
It will be followed by World of Dance at 10 Pm Et/Pt, with judges Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and Ne-Yo, and Scott Evans as host.
“We are so proud to present a 15th season of America’s Got Talent this summer,” said Cowell, who also serves as executive producer.
“This show represents the best in perseverance, creativity and optimism."
"At a time when families are unable to...
The Peacock network has announced that America's Got Talent and World of Dance will both return to the air this summer.
There was some confusion about whether the shows could go ahead, given the Coronavirus Pandemic, which has brought TV production to a halt.
America’s Got Talent, with new judge Sofia Vergara, along with Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, and host Terry Crews, debuts on May 26 at 8 Pm Et/Pt.
It will be followed by World of Dance at 10 Pm Et/Pt, with judges Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and Ne-Yo, and Scott Evans as host.
“We are so proud to present a 15th season of America’s Got Talent this summer,” said Cowell, who also serves as executive producer.
“This show represents the best in perseverance, creativity and optimism."
"At a time when families are unable to...
- 4/27/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
NBC has set May premiere dates for the upcoming 15th season of America’s Got Talent and season 4 of hit dance competition World of Dance. America’s Got Talent, with new judge Sofia Vergara, along with Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, and host Terry Crews, debuts on May 26 at 8 Pm Et/Pt. It will be followed by World of Dance at 10 Pm Et/Pt, with judges Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and Ne-Yo, and Scott Evans as host.
“We are so proud to present a 15th season of America’s Got Talent this summer,” said Cowell, who also serves as executive producer. “This show represents the best in perseverance, creativity and optimism. At a time when families are unable to go out we really hope the new season will bring some much-needed joy and escape.”
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“We are so proud to present a 15th season of America’s Got Talent this summer,” said Cowell, who also serves as executive producer. “This show represents the best in perseverance, creativity and optimism. At a time when families are unable to go out we really hope the new season will bring some much-needed joy and escape.”
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- 4/27/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
For those who want more transparency from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – and that was certainly a core request in producer Michael Shamberg’s open letter to Academy leaders last week – it doesn’t get any clearer than the view presented in a 178-page offering document that introduced the group’s latest bond issue about two months ago.
The new bonds are meant to fund continuing work on the Academy’s $482-million movie museum, set to open in December. Like two earlier offerings, they were backed by the state-operated California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, and sold by Wells Fargo. With a face value of $100 million and an annual interest rate of 5%, they sold at a premium, which means the Academy Museum Foundation, after covering about $1.4 million in costs, reaped $137.1 million for its project, bringing the yield for bondholders down to 1.14%.
More from DeadlineAustralia's 'Neighbours'...
The new bonds are meant to fund continuing work on the Academy’s $482-million movie museum, set to open in December. Like two earlier offerings, they were backed by the state-operated California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, and sold by Wells Fargo. With a face value of $100 million and an annual interest rate of 5%, they sold at a premium, which means the Academy Museum Foundation, after covering about $1.4 million in costs, reaped $137.1 million for its project, bringing the yield for bondholders down to 1.14%.
More from DeadlineAustralia's 'Neighbours'...
- 4/21/2020
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
The Bachelor franchise has been hit hard by the Covid-19 production shutdown.
The Bachelorette was days away from starting production with a Clare Crawley-fronted season and The Bachelor: Summer Games was cancelled, in part due to the postponement of the Olympics.
More from Deadline'American Idol': ABC's Rob Mills & Fremantle's Trish Kinane On How The Live Show Must Go OnFriday Ratings: CBS Lineup Of Crime Dramas Edge ABC's Entrepreneurs And Newsmag'American Idol': ABC Plots Remote Live Shows Following Covid-19 Production Shutdown
Despite this, ABC is resolute that Crawley will eventually get her shot at love when production can resume and the network is also mulling a potential quarantine-themed spin-off.
ABC alternative boss Rob Mills told Deadline that internally it has thrown around the title, Bachelor In Quarantine.
“The best thing about The Bachelor is its willingness to evolve as a format so if we need to shoot a cycle that reflects these times,...
The Bachelorette was days away from starting production with a Clare Crawley-fronted season and The Bachelor: Summer Games was cancelled, in part due to the postponement of the Olympics.
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Despite this, ABC is resolute that Crawley will eventually get her shot at love when production can resume and the network is also mulling a potential quarantine-themed spin-off.
ABC alternative boss Rob Mills told Deadline that internally it has thrown around the title, Bachelor In Quarantine.
“The best thing about The Bachelor is its willingness to evolve as a format so if we need to shoot a cycle that reflects these times,...
- 4/20/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When “American Idol” returns with new episodes next Sunday, it will adapt to these coronavirus quarantine times by taking place for the first time in the homes of the show’s contestants, musicians, judges, mentors and host.
After two weeks of airing clip specials — giving producers enough time to rethink and readjust “Idol” to our new stay-at-home reality — “Idol” returns on April 26 with its final top 20 contestants scattered across the country. Meanwhile, host Ryan Seacrest will anchor the show from his house — where he happens to have the “American Idol” desk from its original Fox run, a relic he has now dug out of the garage and placed in his living room.
“I think we’re about 45 different locations that we’re producing the show from now remotely,” said Trish Kinane, the showrunner and executive producer of “American Idol,” as well as the president of entertainment at “Idol” production company Fremantle.
After two weeks of airing clip specials — giving producers enough time to rethink and readjust “Idol” to our new stay-at-home reality — “Idol” returns on April 26 with its final top 20 contestants scattered across the country. Meanwhile, host Ryan Seacrest will anchor the show from his house — where he happens to have the “American Idol” desk from its original Fox run, a relic he has now dug out of the garage and placed in his living room.
“I think we’re about 45 different locations that we’re producing the show from now remotely,” said Trish Kinane, the showrunner and executive producer of “American Idol,” as well as the president of entertainment at “Idol” production company Fremantle.
- 4/20/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
American Idol was one of the most high-profile entertainment shows that was shutdown by the Covid-19 pandemic.
ABC and Fremantle have spent the last few weeks working out how to proceed with the format’s live shows, going through dozens of scenarios, including one that would see the audience replaced by virtual Disney characters.
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The Disney-owned network and the Rtl-backed producer have now figured out a plan – scheduling four more episodes to whittle the final 20 contestants down to find a winner.
The show, hosted by Ryan Seacrest with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as well as mentor Bobby Bones,...
ABC and Fremantle have spent the last few weeks working out how to proceed with the format’s live shows, going through dozens of scenarios, including one that would see the audience replaced by virtual Disney characters.
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The Disney-owned network and the Rtl-backed producer have now figured out a plan – scheduling four more episodes to whittle the final 20 contestants down to find a winner.
The show, hosted by Ryan Seacrest with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as well as mentor Bobby Bones,...
- 4/20/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC’s America’s Got Talent is looking to find more contestants for its upcoming season, possibly those who have honed a craft during coronavirus quarantine, after re-opening its online auditions.
The NBC show has made the move following the scheduling changes brought on by the production shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Given that many people are at home perfecting new skills, learning dance moves and starting family bands, there’s the hope that new challengers could decide to throw their hats in the ring and audition for the show.
The NBC show has made the move following the scheduling changes brought on by the production shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Given that many people are at home perfecting new skills, learning dance moves and starting family bands, there’s the hope that new challengers could decide to throw their hats in the ring and audition for the show.
- 4/1/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
America’s Got Talent released a first look photo today of the show’s season 15 judges panel.
The picture shows Agt creator and judge Simon Cowell and longtime judge Howie Mandel. They’re joined by newcomer Sofía Vergara, returning panelist Heidi Klum and returning host Terry Crews.
The revamped panel comes after the NBC competition series filled its two vacant chairs last week, following the exits of Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, who were let go in November after one season.
This will be Modern Family star Sofía Vergara’s first turn as a judge. Klum, who was a panelist on Agt from 2013-2018, is coming back.
The first round of production for America’s Got Talent: Season 15 will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium throughout the month of March.
The series is co-produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment. Cowell, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff, Trish Kinane and Richard Wallace are the executive producers.
The picture shows Agt creator and judge Simon Cowell and longtime judge Howie Mandel. They’re joined by newcomer Sofía Vergara, returning panelist Heidi Klum and returning host Terry Crews.
The revamped panel comes after the NBC competition series filled its two vacant chairs last week, following the exits of Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, who were let go in November after one season.
This will be Modern Family star Sofía Vergara’s first turn as a judge. Klum, who was a panelist on Agt from 2013-2018, is coming back.
The first round of production for America’s Got Talent: Season 15 will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium throughout the month of March.
The series is co-produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment. Cowell, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff, Trish Kinane and Richard Wallace are the executive producers.
- 3/3/2020
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Sofia Vergara is jumping from Modern Family to America's Got Talent.
Months after it was revealed that the popular actress attended a meeting with NBC brass, it has been officially confirmed that she is joining the veteran reality series for Season 15.
“I’m so happy to join my new family on Agt,” Vergara said in a statement.
“This is a new and exciting next chapter for me and I’m extremely proud to be the first Latin judge on the show. I can’t wait to watch all the talent and have fun with all you guys!”
Additionally, Heidi Klum is making a return to the regular series after taking last summer off. While Klum has taken time off the regular series, she did serve as a judge on the recent second season of Agt: Champions.
Both Vergara and Klum have been brought in to fill the void left by...
Months after it was revealed that the popular actress attended a meeting with NBC brass, it has been officially confirmed that she is joining the veteran reality series for Season 15.
“I’m so happy to join my new family on Agt,” Vergara said in a statement.
“This is a new and exciting next chapter for me and I’m extremely proud to be the first Latin judge on the show. I can’t wait to watch all the talent and have fun with all you guys!”
Additionally, Heidi Klum is making a return to the regular series after taking last summer off. While Klum has taken time off the regular series, she did serve as a judge on the recent second season of Agt: Champions.
Both Vergara and Klum have been brought in to fill the void left by...
- 2/27/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
“America’s Got Talent” has filled its two remaining judge chairs.
Sofia Vergara has been picked as the series’ newest addition, with “Agt: Champions” judge Heidi Klum also returning. They join existing judges Simon Cowell, who created and executive produces the talent competition series, and Howie Mandell. Terry Crews remains the host.
Vergara recently wrapped filming on the 11th and final season of “Modern Family.” The native Colombian received four Outstanding Supporting Actress Primetime Emmy nominations for playing Gloria Delgado-Pritchett.
Klum, who is also the host of fashion competition series “Making the Cut” on Amazon opposite her “Project Runway” partner Tim Gunn, recently judged the latest season of “Agt: The Champions,” and previously judged the regular “Agt” series for six seasons from 2013 to 2018.
Also Read: Terry Crews Apologizes to Gabrielle Union for Defending 'America's Got Talent'
“I’m so happy to join my new family on ‘Agt,'” Vergara said.
Sofia Vergara has been picked as the series’ newest addition, with “Agt: Champions” judge Heidi Klum also returning. They join existing judges Simon Cowell, who created and executive produces the talent competition series, and Howie Mandell. Terry Crews remains the host.
Vergara recently wrapped filming on the 11th and final season of “Modern Family.” The native Colombian received four Outstanding Supporting Actress Primetime Emmy nominations for playing Gloria Delgado-Pritchett.
Klum, who is also the host of fashion competition series “Making the Cut” on Amazon opposite her “Project Runway” partner Tim Gunn, recently judged the latest season of “Agt: The Champions,” and previously judged the regular “Agt” series for six seasons from 2013 to 2018.
Also Read: Terry Crews Apologizes to Gabrielle Union for Defending 'America's Got Talent'
“I’m so happy to join my new family on ‘Agt,'” Vergara said.
- 2/27/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough will not be returning as judges for Season 15 of “America’s Got Talent,” an individual with knowledge of the situation confirms.
No word yet as to their replacements, although executive producer and judge Simon Cowell is expected to return, as well as long-time judge Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews. NBC did not comment on the exits, and reps for Union and Hough didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap.
Both Union and Hough joined the show in January 2019 when former judges Heidi Klum and Mel B exited due to other commitments.
Also Read: 'Agt': Blind, Autistic Contestant Kodi Lee Returns to Make You Cry With 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' (Video)
Brad Paisley, Dwayne Wade, Ellie Kemper and Jay Leno joined the panel in subsequent weeks as a guest judge for Season 14. Each was given their own Golden Buzzer to use on an act that they felt...
No word yet as to their replacements, although executive producer and judge Simon Cowell is expected to return, as well as long-time judge Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews. NBC did not comment on the exits, and reps for Union and Hough didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap.
Both Union and Hough joined the show in January 2019 when former judges Heidi Klum and Mel B exited due to other commitments.
Also Read: 'Agt': Blind, Autistic Contestant Kodi Lee Returns to Make You Cry With 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' (Video)
Brad Paisley, Dwayne Wade, Ellie Kemper and Jay Leno joined the panel in subsequent weeks as a guest judge for Season 14. Each was given their own Golden Buzzer to use on an act that they felt...
- 11/23/2019
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Grammy and Emmy Award winner Harry Connick Jr will be honored with at star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next week. The ceremony will take place on the morning of Oct. 24.
“When choosing a star location, we try to incorporate ties to the honoree and this one turned out to be a coincidence as we had heard that one of Harry’s favorite songwriters is Cole Porter, who is Harry’s neighbor star,” revealed Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame.
Connick’s latest album entitled “True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter” will be released on Oct. 25, which will be followed by a Broadway show in December named “Harry Connick, Jr: A Celebration of Cole Porter.”
Joining the president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Rana Ghadban in honoring the performer whose career spans three decades will be Academy Award winner and “New In Town...
“When choosing a star location, we try to incorporate ties to the honoree and this one turned out to be a coincidence as we had heard that one of Harry’s favorite songwriters is Cole Porter, who is Harry’s neighbor star,” revealed Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame.
Connick’s latest album entitled “True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter” will be released on Oct. 25, which will be followed by a Broadway show in December named “Harry Connick, Jr: A Celebration of Cole Porter.”
Joining the president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Rana Ghadban in honoring the performer whose career spans three decades will be Academy Award winner and “New In Town...
- 10/16/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
NBC’s America’s Got Talent: The Champions will launches its second winter season with singer Alesha Dixon replacing ex-judge Mel B, the network revealed today via a video magic trick by season 1 winner Shin Lim.
Watch the video above.
Dixon, arriving from Britain’s Got Talent, will join the returning panel of judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, along with returning host Terry Crews.
The line-up was revealed via a YouTube post by magician Shin Lim, the first Champions World Champion.
Also new this year is a panel of America’s Got Talent “superfans” that will take part in the voting process for the upcoming season.
The show’s first season averaged a 2.2 rating in adults 18-49 and 12.4 million viewers overall in “live plus seven day” Nielsens, making it the season’s #1 most-watched alternative series, says NBC.
America’s Got Talent was created by Simon Cowell and...
Watch the video above.
Dixon, arriving from Britain’s Got Talent, will join the returning panel of judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, along with returning host Terry Crews.
The line-up was revealed via a YouTube post by magician Shin Lim, the first Champions World Champion.
Also new this year is a panel of America’s Got Talent “superfans” that will take part in the voting process for the upcoming season.
The show’s first season averaged a 2.2 rating in adults 18-49 and 12.4 million viewers overall in “live plus seven day” Nielsens, making it the season’s #1 most-watched alternative series, says NBC.
America’s Got Talent was created by Simon Cowell and...
- 9/26/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“America’s Got Talent” is switching up the judges’ table for the second season of its “Champions” edition, bringing in Alesha Dixon to replace Mel B.
Dixon, a singer, songwriter and author, should feel right at home on “Agt.”: She has served as a judge for the U.K. version of the talent competition series, “Britain’s Got Talent,” since 2012.
The rest of the “Agt” judges — Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel — and host Terry Crews will all return.
Also Read: Delayed-Viewing Ratings: 'Bachelor in Paradise' Catches Up to 'Agt,' VMAs Grow 22% (Chart)
“American’s Got Talent: The Champions” brings together former winners, finalists and impossible-to-forget acts from previous seasons of “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent” and other “Got Talent” franchises from around the globe, to compete for the title of World Champion.
The first season averaged a 2.2 rating in adults 18-49 and 12.4 million viewers overall,...
Dixon, a singer, songwriter and author, should feel right at home on “Agt.”: She has served as a judge for the U.K. version of the talent competition series, “Britain’s Got Talent,” since 2012.
The rest of the “Agt” judges — Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel — and host Terry Crews will all return.
Also Read: Delayed-Viewing Ratings: 'Bachelor in Paradise' Catches Up to 'Agt,' VMAs Grow 22% (Chart)
“American’s Got Talent: The Champions” brings together former winners, finalists and impossible-to-forget acts from previous seasons of “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent” and other “Got Talent” franchises from around the globe, to compete for the title of World Champion.
The first season averaged a 2.2 rating in adults 18-49 and 12.4 million viewers overall,...
- 9/26/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Ryan Seacrest will return as the host of “American Idol” for the music competition’s third season on ABC.
Seacrest will also continue hosting and executive producing “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” his nationally syndicated L.A. morning drive-time radio show. He also serves as co-host and executive producer on ABC’s “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” as well as ABC’s annual live show “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
The news comes after it was announced in August that the judging panel of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie would all be returning for the new season of “American Idol” as well. Seacrest has been with “American Idol” since it launched on Fox back in 2002.
“’American Idol’ has been my home for 17 seasons and I can’t wait to return to the stage,” said Seacrest. “It’s the greatest gift to be...
Seacrest will also continue hosting and executive producing “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” his nationally syndicated L.A. morning drive-time radio show. He also serves as co-host and executive producer on ABC’s “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” as well as ABC’s annual live show “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
The news comes after it was announced in August that the judging panel of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie would all be returning for the new season of “American Idol” as well. Seacrest has been with “American Idol” since it launched on Fox back in 2002.
“’American Idol’ has been my home for 17 seasons and I can’t wait to return to the stage,” said Seacrest. “It’s the greatest gift to be...
- 9/20/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
He’ll be back. Ryan Seacrest has closed a deal to return to American Idol as host for the upcoming third season of the singing competition series on ABC, his 18th season overall.
The announcement follows speculation on whether Seacrest would be back for another season. In August, ABC revealed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan would return for the new season, but Seacrest’s name was conspicuously missing. At the summer TCA press tour, ABC’s President of Entertainment Karey Burke revealed Seacrest was still in talks to return, but the network had not yet closed his deal. “We’re in ongoing conversations about Ryan returning and I am hopeful,” she said.
In addition to joining Perry, Richie and Bryan, Seacrest also will be re-teaming with in-house mentor Bobby Bones.
“American Idol has been my home for 17 seasons and I can’t wait to return to the stage,...
The announcement follows speculation on whether Seacrest would be back for another season. In August, ABC revealed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan would return for the new season, but Seacrest’s name was conspicuously missing. At the summer TCA press tour, ABC’s President of Entertainment Karey Burke revealed Seacrest was still in talks to return, but the network had not yet closed his deal. “We’re in ongoing conversations about Ryan returning and I am hopeful,” she said.
In addition to joining Perry, Richie and Bryan, Seacrest also will be re-teaming with in-house mentor Bobby Bones.
“American Idol has been my home for 17 seasons and I can’t wait to return to the stage,...
- 9/20/2019
- by Denise Petski and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
This may come as a huge shock, but Ryan Seacrest will return as host for ABC’s third season of “American Idol,” the network announced on Friday.
Seacrest, who has hosted the singing competition series since its debut in 2002 and Fox (though at that point he was a co-host with Brian Dunkleman), will return alongside judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. In-house mentor Bobby Bones is also back.
“‘American Idol’ has been my home for 17 seasons and I can’t wait to return to the stage,” Seacrest said. “It’s the greatest gift to be able to play a part in discovering new talent with a franchise that has been such a relevant part of American culture for so many years.”
Also Read: 'American Idol' Renewed for Season 3 at ABC
“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle’s Trish Kinane,...
Seacrest, who has hosted the singing competition series since its debut in 2002 and Fox (though at that point he was a co-host with Brian Dunkleman), will return alongside judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. In-house mentor Bobby Bones is also back.
“‘American Idol’ has been my home for 17 seasons and I can’t wait to return to the stage,” Seacrest said. “It’s the greatest gift to be able to play a part in discovering new talent with a franchise that has been such a relevant part of American culture for so many years.”
Also Read: 'American Idol' Renewed for Season 3 at ABC
“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle’s Trish Kinane,...
- 9/20/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are returning for the new season of American Idol but one name missing from this morning’s ABC announcement was Ryan Seacrest.
ABC’s President of Entertainment Karey Burke revealed that the host was still in talks to return to the show but that it had not yet closed his deal.
“I do not believe that he will be missing [from American Idol]. We’re in ongoing conversations about Ryan returning and I am hopeful,” she said.
The show will premiere in spring 2020 after ABC renewed musical talent competition in May for a third season on its network and the show’s 18th season overall.
The nationwide search for the next pop superstar has kicked off with open auditions in New York and will move on to 21 additional cities later this month. In addition to auditioning in person, contestants can submit videos online or via social media.
ABC’s President of Entertainment Karey Burke revealed that the host was still in talks to return to the show but that it had not yet closed his deal.
“I do not believe that he will be missing [from American Idol]. We’re in ongoing conversations about Ryan returning and I am hopeful,” she said.
The show will premiere in spring 2020 after ABC renewed musical talent competition in May for a third season on its network and the show’s 18th season overall.
The nationwide search for the next pop superstar has kicked off with open auditions in New York and will move on to 21 additional cities later this month. In addition to auditioning in person, contestants can submit videos online or via social media.
- 8/5/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
American Idol is returning to ABC for another season.
That much was already known, but a dark cloud has been hanging over the series regarding the casting for the 18th season.
ABC has now confirmed that Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie will be returning for the upcoming season.
No details were revealed about whether any of the judges took a reduced pay for the new season.
With the reduced ratings for the most recent season, there was buzz that ABC was looking to reduce the budget to make the series viable.
Perry, in particular, was reportedly getting paid $20 million per season before the reported budget cuts.
Ominously missing from the cast is Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the former Fox series since the beginning as the host.
Related: The Oa Canceled at Netflix
Whether he is still in negotiations to return, we don't know, but Bobby Bones...
That much was already known, but a dark cloud has been hanging over the series regarding the casting for the 18th season.
ABC has now confirmed that Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie will be returning for the upcoming season.
No details were revealed about whether any of the judges took a reduced pay for the new season.
With the reduced ratings for the most recent season, there was buzz that ABC was looking to reduce the budget to make the series viable.
Perry, in particular, was reportedly getting paid $20 million per season before the reported budget cuts.
Ominously missing from the cast is Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the former Fox series since the beginning as the host.
Related: The Oa Canceled at Netflix
Whether he is still in negotiations to return, we don't know, but Bobby Bones...
- 8/5/2019
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are returning for the new season of American Idol, which will premiere in spring 2020.
ABC renewed the musical talent competition in May for a third season on its network and the show’s 18th season overall. At the time, it had not yet signed up the judges to return and was still in negotiations. Bobby Bones will return as in-house mentor
The nationwide search for the next pop superstar has kicked off with open auditions in New York and will move on to 21 additional cities later this month. In addition to auditioning in person, contestants can submit videos online or via social media.
“American Idol is the original music competition series,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “It was the first of its kind to take everyday singers and catapult them into superstardom, launching the careers of so many amazing artists. We couldn...
ABC renewed the musical talent competition in May for a third season on its network and the show’s 18th season overall. At the time, it had not yet signed up the judges to return and was still in negotiations. Bobby Bones will return as in-house mentor
The nationwide search for the next pop superstar has kicked off with open auditions in New York and will move on to 21 additional cities later this month. In addition to auditioning in person, contestants can submit videos online or via social media.
“American Idol is the original music competition series,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “It was the first of its kind to take everyday singers and catapult them into superstardom, launching the careers of so many amazing artists. We couldn...
- 8/5/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
After much speculation as to whether Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie would be returning to judge “American Idol” on ABC, the network has confirmed the trio will all be back once more to search for America’s next musical superstar.
ABC and series producer Fremantle had been in discussions regarding ways to bring down costs on the show, especially given Perry’s astounding $25 million a year salary, but the lineup for the show’s third season on the network will remain unchanged.
Perry has been making headlines recently after a jury found that she and her song “Dark Horse” infringed on the copyright of Flame’s song “Joyful Noise” in a $2.78 million decision. Perry and her co-writers called the decision “a travesty of justice.”
This will be the singing competition show’s 18th season overall, including the 15 seasons that aired on Fox before the move to ABC in...
ABC and series producer Fremantle had been in discussions regarding ways to bring down costs on the show, especially given Perry’s astounding $25 million a year salary, but the lineup for the show’s third season on the network will remain unchanged.
Perry has been making headlines recently after a jury found that she and her song “Dark Horse” infringed on the copyright of Flame’s song “Joyful Noise” in a $2.78 million decision. Perry and her co-writers called the decision “a travesty of justice.”
This will be the singing competition show’s 18th season overall, including the 15 seasons that aired on Fox before the move to ABC in...
- 8/5/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
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