ABC is bringing backAmerican Idol. The network has closed an agreement with producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Together they will revive television’s most successful and recognized music competition series for the 2017-2018 season, bringing back the fan-favorite and making more dreams come true. A host and judges will be announced at a later time. Here’s what Ben Sherwood, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney ABC, had to say about thisAmerican Idol revival.
“American Idolon ABC…that has a nice ring to it.Idolis anentertainment icon, and now it will air where it belongs, inABC’s lineup of addictive fan favorites alongsideDancing with the StarsandThe Bachelor. America, get ready for the return of a bigger, bolder and better-than-everIdol.”
WhenAmerican Idoldebuted in the U.S., the series revolutionized television, pioneering thereality-competition genreand holding an unmatched record for being the highest-rated series for nearly a decade. The series also ushered in second-screen audience participation, being the first to introduce text-based and mobile voting. TheIdolformat has taken on original versions in 55 countries around the world, andAmerican Idolitself has played to a worldwide audience of over 460 million across 53 countries. Here’s what Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment, had to say in his statement.
“American Idolis a pop-culture staple that left the air too soon. ABC is the right home to reignite the fan base. We are thrilled viewers will once again share in these inspiring stories of people realizing their dreams.”
To date, American Idol has earned 67 Emmy nominations and nine wins, including the prestigious Governors Award in 2016, and its talented discoveries have already won 14 Grammys, two Golden Globes and an Academy Award, among numerous other accolades. Here’s what Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia Group, said in her statement.
“ABC’s passion and enthusiasm make them a perfect home forAmerican Idol. We are excited to be partnering with them to discover the next generation oftalented artists. It’s an irresistible combination that means now is the ideal time to welcome back one of the most successful shows in the history of contemporary television.”
American Idol’s profound effect on the music industry is far-reaching and continually growing, launching the careers of superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry, among many others.American Idolcontestants have sold more than 60 million albums, resulting in more than 80 Platinum records and 95 Gold records. Its participants have generated more than 450 Billboard No. 1 hits and sold more than 260 million digital downloads. Here’s what Peter Hurwitz, CEO of CORE Media Group, had to say in his statement.
“All of the intense speculation surrounding the comeback ofAmerican Idoldemonstrates just how popular and powerful this brand remains. ABC shares our belief in the enduring value ofIdoland will provide us with the perfect new home to showcase the gold standard ofsinging competition shows.”
American Idolhas already been a beloved part of the Disney ABC family, withThe American Idol Experiencetaking residence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park for five years. The live production featured park guests auditioning for Disney cast members and then performing in front of a live audience. The winner then received a “Dream Ticket” that granted them front-of-the-line privileges at futureAmerican Idolauditions. An impressive five Disney Dream Ticket contestants made it to the Top 24 in one season alone!
During its 15th season run,American Idolwon Wednesday’s 8 p.m. hour in Total Viewers (11.5 million) and Adults 18-49 (3.0/10). In its Thursday run, the series ran in a near tie with aBig Bang Theoryboosted CBS for #1 in the 2-hour slot with Total Viewers (11.1 million) and Adults 18-49 (2.8/10). The 15th season ofAmerican Idolfinished the 2015-16 season among the Top 3 programs on Wednesday night in Total Viewers and Adults 18-49.American Idolis produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.
