ABC has given a renewal for American Idol season 21 after five successful seasons since its revival in March 2018. FOX canceled the reality competition after airing the series for 15 seasons from June 2002 to April 2016. The FOX version of the show produced superstars such as American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, season 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson, season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry and runner-up Katharine McPhee, season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, and season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert.
When ABC revived the show, host Ryan Seacrest returned with a new panel of judges--Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan--to guide the contestants. The winners include Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Just Sam and Chayce Beckham. The current American Idol season 20 contestants have been narrowed down to the Top 5, consisting of Nicolina, Fritz Hager, HunterGirl, Leah Marlene and Noah Thompson. Since their American Idol auditions, they have become household names. They released their singles on May 13 to much success, as the songs are climbing the music charts. The winner will be announced during the American Idol season 20 finale, which airs on May 22.
According to Variety, American Idol has been renewed by ABC for season 21, along with several other unscripted series. In addition to American Idol, new seasons of The Bachelor, Shark Tank, America's Funniest Home Videos and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune have been ordered by the network. While it is too early to determine if Ryan, Lionel, Katy or Luke will return for American Idol season 20, their dynamic on the show has made it as entertaining and fresh as ever. They have really found their groove this season, as evidenced by their choices of contestants from the auditions who became fan-favorite finalists as well as the success of the Judges' Song Contest.
In a post on Instagram, American Idol and ABC made the big announcement about season 21. They posted a sign with a black background with silver writing that read, "American Idol is coming back for another season." The caption said, "Sing along with us. #AmericanIdol is returning for another season!!" The comments section was filled with well wishes from happy fans who expressed their hopes that Ryan and the judges will return for the new season.
American Idol has become synonymous with reality singing competitions on American television. When it was canceled by FOX, it was the end of an era, and the revival seemed like an inevitable next step for the show. Fans love following the contestants each year and watching them grow into artists and superstars. The show must go on because, as Ryan says, "This is American Idol!"
American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Sources: Variety, American Idol/Instagram