FOX Now Bidding for ‘American Idol’ Revival Over NBC
It wasn’t terribly surprising that FOX would say goodbye to American Idol after so many years, but word that NBC might look to revive it alongside The Voice came more unexpectedly. Now, FOX is reportedly bidding for the rights to bring American Idol back on its own, almost exactly as we remember it.
According to TMZ, both NBC and FOX are submitting bids to FremantleMedia, with a possibility the studio could accept either before the week is out. Should NBC win the rights, Ryan Seacrest would likely be asked back to host a new American Idol, though FOX would also “entertain” the possibility.
The report indicates that NBC hopes American Idol can solve its issue of airing two Voice cycles a year, especially as recurring judge Adam Levine only wants to participate in one. FOX, meanwhile, opted to end American Idol the first time over its expensive judges, whereas a reboot would recruit new, less expensive talent.
First debuting in 2002, American Idol began the nation-wide love-affair with reality singing competitions, despite falling off in popularity over the past few years. American Idol even remained TV’s highest-rated show for most of a decade, but not-unironically would later take second position to The Voice.
For the moment, either network’s American Idol reboot is eyed for either summer 2018 or midseason 2019. Stay tuned for the latest in the meantime.