Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Katy Perry is the first judge to sign on to ABC’s American Idol revival.

And the first judge to be announced for the new American Idol: Katy Perry.

So much for an all-alumni coaching panel. That said, Katy Perry is likely to draw some eyes to the show, and perhaps generate interest among fans who haven’t followed Idol before.

The announcement came today, followed by a press release.

“I am honored and thrilled to be the first judge bringing back the American Idol tradition of making dreams come true for incredible talents with authentic personalities and real stories,” Katy says via that release.

“I’m always listening to new music, and love discovering diamonds in the rough – from mentoring young artists on my label, or highlighting new artists on my tours, I want to bring it back to the music.”

ABC hasn’t announced the other judges yet, and hasn’t announced whether or not Ryan Seacrest will return as host.

But during a conference call with the media Monday, ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey hinted at format changes “to make it feel fresh.”

Meanwhile, FOX executives have gone on record as saying they were willing to revive Idol, but not until 2020.

ABC’s revival will come just two years after the show went off the air.