‘American Idol’ Renewed By ABC / Katy Perry & Fellow Judges All Returning

‘American Idol’ has silenced the naysayers. Because, after solid ratings and ample advertiser interest, the revived version of the show has earned itself another season at ABC.

Details below…

In an announcement made moments ago, it was confirmed that the series – presently anchored by Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan – will return next year for its second cycle at ABC and 17th overall. All judges as well as host Ryan Seacrest will be back too.

Initially, it looked like the show had the odds stacked to the heavens.

Firstly, Perry’s $25 million pay-packet not only left little else for her fellow panelists – it, more crucially, raised serious questions about the show’s profitability.

The so-so climate surrounding Idol’s revival – which was confirmed just one year after its “final” season on FOX – had many wondering if advertisers would pony up spend.

However, with viewers taking well to the new Sunday/Monday format (8-9 million per episode, with a 2.1 average rating in the all-important adult 18-49 bracket), any doubt seemed to be dispelled.

Word is that 30 second commercial slots during the show are going for $200,000 a piece, which is not bad at all.

Speaking on Idol’s re-up, ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said in a statement:

“We knew that American Idol on ABC would unleash an opportunity for singers from all walks of life to realize their dreams and that these incredible contestants would have America rooting for their success. I am thrilled that Katy, Luke, Lionel and Ryan will be back to once again embark on this Idol journey with us to discover the next crop of inspiring talent.”

Some sceptics stress that the network have plunged far too much into the revival for the experiment to be a “one and done.’ Put simply, a pick-up may have been inevitable so long as performance wasn’t grossly under-par.

Still, a renewal is a renewal.

Our sole hope is that one of these shows will gift us the talent and success stories like that of Fantasia, Kelly Clarkson, and Jennifer Hudson. Surely, that she be the imperative end-goal?

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin]