‘American Idol’ 18 is probably a reality — but will Katy, Lionel and Luke return as judges? [POLL]

First the good news: As the latest edition of  “American Idol” is about to end on May 19, plans are afoot for a third season on ABC.

The less good news? Just when the latest crew of judges – kooky Katy Perry, avuncular Lionel Richie and good ol’ boy Luke Bryan –have clicked as a team, it appears that the ABC reincarnation of the former Fox reality singing competition might be re-thinking the threesome who delivers the “yays” and “nays” to the wanna-be stars.

As “Variety” has reported, the network and its production company, Fremantle Media North America, are in the early stages negotiating new deals with the talents currently sitting behind the table. But the decision depends on cost concerns. Consider that Perry was pocketing a whopping $25 million for the first ABC season in 2018.

As the showbiz bible puts it, “It’s understood that ABC has told Fremantle it hopes to make “Idol” a long-term network franchise but only if the current cost structure can come down. ‘Idol’ has performed credibly but not spectacularly for ABC this season.”  Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest, who has been the host of the show since Season 1 in 2002, is presumed to have a long-term deal.

Let’s take this possible reason to frown and turn it upside-down. Tell us who your dream team would be if you picked the ‘Idol’ judges. It’s obvious money is a factor with any choice, so I doubt Lady Gaga will put aside her lucrative career to help a star get born. But since this is just mere speculation, here is my list of 20 performers I would l would love to see — broken up by female and male:

Female: Bette Midler, Cindy Lauper, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Trisha Yearwood, Sia, Stevie Nicks, Shania Twain, Gladys Knight, Pink.

Male: Pharrell Williams, Billy Joel, Bruno Mars, John Legend, Ed Sheerhan, Jason Mraz, Jason Aldean, Rod Stewart, Roger Daltrey, Brad Paisley.

Use the comment section below to share your suggestions. And please answer the poll to tell us how you think Katy, Lionel and Luke have done this season and whether you would miss them.

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