Late-y Perry ‘leaves bosses of American Idol frustrated’

THERE will be doubtless be fireworks when the new series of American Idol begins but already judge Katy Perry is making her mark on the televised talent contest.

According to TMZ, the songstress has left show bosses ‘frustrated’ with her late arrival during the auditions round. The website claims Katy, 33, is ‘almost always late’ and has become known for arriving on set ‘ten to 25 minutes after call time’.

A representative for Katy has been contacted for a comment.

It was also reported that producers have been left concerned over the judging panel, as it is feared viewers will switch off from the new series due to the judges getting on so well – instead of annoying one another.

Having hit it off while working together on the show, Katy, Lionel Richie and country singer Luke Bryan, all pictured above, are said to have ‘good chemistry’, but show bosses are worried the panel is lacking its usual ‘comedic tension’ that had previously been there, thanks to Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul’s teasing relationship.

TMZ claims the new panel are ‘not at each other’s throats, either in a serious or funny way’, causing concern that it could affect the show’s ratings, as that is usually what makes American Idol, and similar talent shows, such a hit.

A spokesman for American Idol has been approached for comment.

The show has been rebooted after the initial series came to an end nearly two years ago. The original American Idol had launched in 2002 on Fox and ran for 15 series, before being cancelled in 2016.

It was confirmed just over a year after the final series that ABC would be bringing it back onto screens.

Simon, Paula and Randy Jackson had been on the judging panel for eight seasons together, with stars including Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban later replacing them.

Katy was the first judge to be confirmed for the show’s revival and has since likened her judging style to that of no-nonsense music mogul Simon, telling Variety: ‘Like Simon, I’m also a truth-teller, a straight shooter.’

Lionel and Luke were later announced as judges in September last year, with ABC revealing that Ryan Seacrest will return as host.