Ricky Minor to Return as Musical Director for ABC's AMERICAN IDOL Reboot

Variety reports that Rickey Minor will return as Musical Director for ABC's upcoming AMERICAN IDOL reboot. The bandleader served in the position on FOX's IDOL from 2005 to 2010. He returned to the post in 2014 to finish off the show's run. Minor has worked with such music legends as Whitney Houston. He is also a musician and served as MD for NBC's"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" after Kevin Eubanks' departed. He has been nominated for four Emmy Awards.

As BWW reported last week, legendary singer Lionel Richie may fill the second seat on the judge's panel of ABC's reboot. As previously reported, pop star Katy Perry has already signed on to judge the singing competition for a whopping $25 million. In addition, Ryan Seacrest is said to be in final discussions to return as host of the show.

About the show: ABC is bringing back "American Idol." The network has closed an agreement with producers FremantleMedia NORTH AMERICA and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Together they will revive television's most successful and recognized music competition series for the 2017-2018 season, bringing back the fan-favorite and making more dreams come true. A host and judges will be announced at a later time.