Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The American Idol Season 19 cast of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Ryan Seacrest. (ABC Photo)

American Idol announced Wednesday that Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan will all return for Season 19.

Of course, host Ryan Seacrest will be back as well, marking the quartet’s fourth season together since ABC revived the former FOX show.

“American Idol has always been able to bring people together, entertain and inspire -– and I am so proud of how this show continued to deliver joy and laughter into people’s homes during a time when we needed it the most,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment, in a press release announcing the judges’ return.

“There is no one who we feel more confident about leading us into a new season of high notes than Luke, Katy, Lionel and the incomparable Ryan Seacrest.”

Now, whether the pandemic will cooperate is another matter.

American Idol rounded up an impressive array of young talent for Season 18, but the pandemic prevented the filming of new live shows in the spring and wound up forcing an abbreviated round of shows featuring performances recorded at the contestants’ homes.

It was neither memorable nor a suitable showcase for those singers’ talents.

American Idol is now holding virtual auditions for Season 19. Who knows when live filming will be possible again.

But, remember, the auditions, the Hollywood round and the showcase cutting the field of contestants from a Top 40 to a Top 20 are all traditionally taped and ready to go before each season begins.

Season 18 began in mid-February.