'I think it's going to be all new people,' the country singer said during an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 8.
- Sep 11, 2017
AceShowbiz - It seems like Keith Urban won't be a part of upcoming "American Idol" reboot on ABC. During an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 8, the country singer hinted that he wouldn't be returning to the judge's chair on the revived show.
"I think it's going to be all new people except for [host] Ryan [Ryan Seacrest]," said the 49-year-old Australian musician, who accompanied wife Nicole Kidman at the event for the opening of her film "The Upside".
Keith previously was rumored to be one of the frontrunners to be judges on "American Idol" alongside Lionel Richie, Charlie Puth and Luke Bryan. So far, the only confirmed judge is Katy Perry, who is rumored to be getting a whopping $25 million contract.
The "Swish Swish" songstress previously revealed that she wanted Lionel and Charlie to sit on the chair with her for the upcoming reboot. "I'm really pulling for Lionel because I think Lionel is an icon," Katy said. "And not only that, but if you've seen or ever met Lionel, he just knows how to charm the whole room and he's such an artisan with words... I love Lionel."
"Charlie I think is an interesting play because Charlie Puth is somewhat new to the general public of America," she spoke of the "We Don't Talk Anymore" singer. "Obviously he has his own big fan base, but I think he's really talented. That song 'Attention' is one of my favorite songs this year."
"He's a writer; he's a producer; he's young; he's fresh; he's cool; he's hip. He's Charlie Puth!" she continued. "He's just some fresh blood. Between Lionel and me, it would be nice to have someone a little bit even more fresh. We're a different kind of fresh."
Lionel allegedly was internal favorite among others. However, rumor had it that ABC and the singer's team had not reached an agreement in terms of salary. Lionel's team was said to ask for around $10 million, which is a double from initial price that ABC offered.
