Apparently when “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller said “See you in 2018” at last year’s Creative Arts Emmy Awards, he wasn’t joking. Fuller was accepting the prestigious Governors Award trophy for “Idol’s” final season, but what got people talking were those mysterious four words at the end of his podium speech. Flash-forward to today, when news has broken that “American Idol” may be coming back to TV, but not in the same way you knew it for 15 years.
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Our sister site Variety reports: “Fremantle has been shopping an ‘Idol’ revival in recent weeks, with NBC emerging as the leading candidate to become the new home of the long-running singing-competition series. Sources emphasize that talks are ongoing, and no deal is yet in place.”
“American Idol” fans, do you think this is a great idea to reboot the franchise on the Peacock network? Or is it completely tone-deaf since NBC already has the #1 singing show in America, “The Voice”? Be sure to vote in poll below.
News of an “American Idol” return first occurred during its April 2016 series finale telecast, when Seacrest closed out the final show by saying, “Good night, America … for now.” When Fuller expanded on Seacrest’s comment with a specific 2018 date at the Creative Arts Emmys, fans immediately wondered if the show would return to TV sooner rather than later.
“American Idol” had an up-and-down history at the Emmys throughout its 15-year run, winning only eight victories from its 67 nominations. Seacrest was recognized as Best Reality Host seven times, losing to Jeff Probst (“Survivor”) in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars”) in 2012, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) in 2013 and RuPaul Charles (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) last year.
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