Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Well, ABC has made it official.

American Idol will return in 2018.

And ABC is promising “the return of a bigger, bolder and better-than-ever Idol,” said Ben Sherwood, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney|ABC, in a press release.

The official announcement came on today’s “Good Morning America.”

Former finalists began reacting almost immediately.

“Great news,” tweeted Taylor Hicks.

“Wow,” tweeted Alexis Grace.

I’m sure more will follow.

Sorry, but my reaction is more subdued.

I mean, we barely had time to miss the show.

And while lots of folks like to remember American Idol in its heyday, I can’t help but remember a show well past its prime.

A show that had stopped producing superstars.

A show that seldom crowned the most talented singer.

A show that very much deserved the derisive nickname Cute Boy Idol.

A show I very much doubt Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood would have won if they had auditioned anytime after Season 8.

No word yet on a host or judges.

ABC reportedly wants Ryan Seacrest back as host and Kelly Clarkson as a judge. Both would be great moves.

Remember how fabulous Kelly was during last year’s guest judging stint?

On the bright side, Harry Connick Jr. and Jennifer Lopez seem unlikely to return thanks to their affiliation with other networks.

Yippee!

No word yet on when the show will air either. That’s likely to come next week when ABC announces its 2017-28 schedule.

Whenever the show is on, you’ll be able to follow along here.

Regardless of its faults, I’ll always appreciate Idol for introducing us to dozens of talented singers over the years.