'AMERICAN IDOL' ALL-STAR JUDGES LUKE BRYAN, KATY PERRY, LIONEL RICHIE AND HOST RYAN SEACREST SET TO RETURN FOR SEASON 4 ON ABC

The iconic star-maker competition series "American Idol" welcomes back music industry legends, judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, and veteran host Ryan Seacrest to help find America's next singing sensation for a fourth season on ABC. Last season, "American Idol" became the first reality competition series to air remotely and the unprecedented season dominated Sunday nights, claiming the No. 1 position for broadcast series among Adults 18-49 as well as the night's No. 1 most social show.

"'American Idol' has always been able to bring people together, entertain and inspire - and I am so proud of how this show continued to deliver joy and laughter into people's homes during a time when we needed it the most," said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. "There is no one who we feel more confident about leading us into a new season of high notes than Luke, Katy, Lionel and the incomparable Ryan Seacrest."

"Katy, Lionel and Luke are fun, astute and really know how to spot talent," said executive producer and showrunner Trish Kinane. "Their chemistry is undeniable, and we are delighted that they, along with host Ryan Seacrest, are returning to find the next superstar and take 'American Idol' to new heights next season."

"We are so grateful to the fans for sticking with us - and pushing us to No. 1 - during this most challenging of times. And we are thrilled to be able to welcome Ryan, Katy, Lionel and Luke back to help us discover our next American Idol," said executive producer Eli Holzman, CEO of 19 Entertainment's parent company Industrial Media. "At times like these, it is more important than ever to give families wholesome entertainment, packed full of hope, talent and inspiration - where dreams come true. And that is what 'American Idol' is all about."

The search for the next singing sensation is currently underway with "Idol Across America" remote virtual auditions taking place across all 50 states. "Idol Across America" will give hopefuls the chance to showcase their talents from anywhere in America, across any official audition date and face-to-face with an "American Idol" producer, staying true to its roots by providing aspiring Idols real-time feedback on their journey to being crowned the next American Idol.

To sign up for "Idol Across America" and a chance to virtually audition in front of an "American Idol" producer, please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions, where more details on specific dates, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions can be found. Entrants must be at least 15 years old to audition and may do so on any "Idol Across America" date regardless of your location.

"American Idol" is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media's 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle's Trish Kinane, also serving as showrunner, Jennifer Mullin and Megan Wolflick, with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.

About ABC Entertainment ABC Entertainment airs compelling programming across all day parts, including "Grey's Anatomy," the longest-running medical drama in primetime television; riveting dramas "The Good Doctor," "A Million Little Things" and "Station 19"; trailblazing comedy favorites "American Housewife," "black-ish," "The Conners," "The Goldbergs" and "mixed-ish"; the popular "Summer Fun & Games" programming block, including "Celebrity Family Feud," "Holey Moley," "Match Game," "Press Your Luck" and "To Tell the Truth"; star-making sensation "American Idol"; reality phenomenon "Shark Tank"; "The Bachelor" franchise; long-running hits "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos"; "General Hospital," which has aired for more than 55 years on the network; and late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"; as well as the critically acclaimed, Emmy(R) Award-winning special "Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons.'" The network also boasts some of television's most prestigious awards shows, including "The Oscars(R)," "The CMA Awards" and the "American Music Awards."   ABC programming can also be viewed on demand and on Hulu.

About Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the largest and most successful creators, producers and distributors of scripted and unscripted content in the world. From the Got Talent and Idol franchises to "My Brilliant Friend," "Family Feud," "The Young Pope," "American Gods," "The Price is Right," "Neighbours," "The X Factor" and "Deutschland 83." Fremantle is behind the world's most-loved and most-watched shows. Fremantle has an outstanding international network of production teams, companies and labels in over 30 countries. The Fremantle family includes UFA (Germany), Wildside (Italy), Abot Hameiri (Israel), Miso Film (Denmark, Sweden and Norway), Blue Circle (Netherlands), Original Productions (USA) and Easy Tiger (Australia) to name a few. Fremantle produces in excess of 12,000 hours of original programming, rolls out more than 70 formats and airs 400 programs a year worldwide. Fremantle also distributes over 20,000 hours of content in more than 200 territories. As a world leader in digital and branded entertainment, Fremantle has more than 370 million subscribers across 1,500 social channels and over 100 billion views across all platforms - and is the creator of Facebook's most viewed video of all time, "The Sacred Riana." For more information, visit www.fremantle.com, follow @FremantleUS or visit its Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

About Industrial Media

Industrial Media is an independent production group launched with the acquisition of The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC) by the reorganized companies of CORE Media Group. Through its work with well-established industry leaders, including ownership interests in Sharp Entertainment, IPC, B17 Entertainment, and 19 Entertainment, the Company creates and produces multi-platform programming of various genres for audiences worldwide. Industrial Media companies currently produces more than 60 series across 35 networks. Key programs include the global hit "American Idol" co-produced by 19 Entertainment for ABC, Sharp Entertainment's "90 Day Fiancé" franchise for TLC, and The Intellectual Property Corporation's Emmy(R)-winning hit documentary series "Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath" for A&E. Additionally, Industrial Media's 19 Recordings has launched the music careers of platinum artists including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Phillip Phillips, Lauren Alaina; and more recently, "American Idol" winners Samantha Diaz and Laine Hardy along with prior contestants such as Gabby Barrett, scarypoolparty and Laci Kaye Booth. Industrial Media is backed by the private equity firm Crestview Partners, BlackRock Asset Management, and the United Talent Agency. For more details, visit www.industrial-media.com.