Monthly ‘Idol’ Roundup: May 2017

It’s been a wild month for our favorite reality show. Last month, rumors had begun swirling about an American Idol comeback, and only a day into May we found out that ABC would be the network responsible for the show’s revival beginning in March of 2018.

But then the rumor mill really began churning, having many of us wonder what the next big move was. To help you make sense of it all, we break down a few of those rumors, plus look at some new music and appearances from your Idols.

New Music

Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta has been working on a new album and, in the process, released a music video for his debut single from it, “Up All Night.” The single is pretty catchy and seems to indicate a more mature sound from the singer. We’re looking forward to the new tunes from the younger David!

Season 8 winner Kris Allen is also delving into a side project with his band mates (Cale Mills, Chris Torres, and Jordan Wright). The foursome have started a band called “The Dames” and have promised to release six songs in the next little while. The first, “The Death of Mr. Jones” is now available on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify.

Also from Season 8, Scott MacIntyre has released a music video for his inspirational new song “Hope is Rising”. Scott’s journey on Idol was groundbreaking as the first contestant with a visual impairment and he continues to inspire Idol fans with his amazing music.

In addition to appearing at CMAFest with other Idol alum in June, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery released a new song called “Five More Minutes” this month. The track has been in the works for a long time, says the singer, and it is now available on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify.

Last on the new music from is Season 13’s Jess Meuse, who has been in the studio recording songs for her new album including one with Season 4 runner-up rocker Bo Bice. It should be a great track with so much talent in the room.

Appearances

Idol alum Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson to join NBC’s the Voice as mentors in the 13th and 14th season, respectively [Credit: NBC]

Just before the news of Idol‘s big comeback broke the show’s constant host, Ryan Seacrest, announced that he would be joining Kelly Ripa as the cohost on her talk show. Seacrest’s new gig has left many fans with doubts about whether his schedule will permit him to return to Idol.

This month news also broke that NBC had snatched up all-star Idol alum Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson for the shows 13th and 14th seasons, respectively. The news of Kelly joining the show came amidst rumors that she would be one of the judges on the new Idol panel, leaving fans wondering who ABC would recruit in her place.

Season 5 alum have also been busy with runner-up Katharine McPhee landing a killer acting role in a new biopic about serial killer Robert Durst. Season 5 rocker Chris Daughtry was also busy when he presented at the Billboard Music Awards this month.

Other News

Pop superstar Katy Perry to join Idol judging panel in 2018. [Credit: @katyperry]

Speaking of Daughtry, he was announced as one of the three people who will occupy a seat on the Idol judging panel come next March. He joins superstar Katy Perry, whose stint as a guest judge during Season 9’s auditions was well received by fans.

Season 14 and 15 mentor, Scott Borchetta, also has a new gig. Borchetta, as the President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, has decided to start his own six–part reality series called “The Launch,” in which contestants will be given a hit song to record and launch their career. The show will air on Canadian Network, CTV, and premiere sometime in 2018.

Does all this new Idol news have you hyped or are you skeptical about Idol’s big return? Let us know in the comments below!