Luke Bryan joins 'American Idol' as judge

With a week left until “American Idol” auditions are due to start, the show has confirmed Luke Bryan as a second judge. The country star will join Katy Perry for the series' reboot on ABC, reports Variety. While the third spot has yet to be locked down, word from inside the production is that “Idol” will stick with a panel of three and not four judges.

Lionel Richie, who was reported to have been in advanced talks to join the show, appears to no longer be in the running. Other artistes considered for the panel included Charlie Puth and Keith Urban, though it looks unlikely that either will round out the judges' table.

ABC's revival of the long-running Fox series has been slowly taking shape since it was announced in May. Perry was revealed to be a judge shortly after the deal at ABC was made, for a salary of $25 million.

Ryan Seacrest, who hosted every season of the original “American Idol,” is also returning to the show.

 “American Idol” is slated to premiere in early March, launching its debut episode shortly after the Oscars.