Famed radio DJ, comedian and best-selling author Bobby Bones is joining “American Idol” as the show’s in-house mentor. Last season, Bobby joined the Top 24 Idol hopefuls as they prepared to take the stage with their all-star celebrity duet partners. In his expanded role this season, the award-winning personality will offer his industry expertise throughout the competition, helping contenders reach the next level of their artistry and performances.
Helping to determine who America will ultimately vote to become the next singing sensation are music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest hosts the beloved series.
“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, Megan Wolflick and Industrial Media’s Chris Anokute. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.
ABOUT BOBBY BONES
Dubbed “The most powerful man in country music” (Forbes), Bobby Bones continues to be an unstoppable force. With a “fiercely devoted following” (Washington Post) tuning into his nationally syndicated radio show, The Bobby Bones Show broadcasts to more than 120 stations, and is the #1 Country morning show with millions of listeners each week. The show recently garnered its third ACM Award for National On-Air Personality of the Year, also earning a 2017 Country Music Association award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year and earned Bones the title of youngest ever inductee into the prestigious National Radio Hall of Fame.
The “media multitasker” (Billboard) also launched his own podcast, BobbyCast, which features candid long-form interviews with top artists and industry figures and has been downloaded more than 6 million times. With his undeniable knack for recognizing and supporting new talent, Bones brought his expertise to the latest season of ABC’s American Idol as mentor. Bones is also a touring stand-up comedian, philanthropist and chart-topping comedy artist – a true “jack of all trades” (ESPN). His new book “Fail Until You Don’t: Fight. Grind. Repeat.” (Dey Street Books) landed at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list. It follows his debut memoir, “BARE BONES: I’M NOT LONELY IF YOU’RE READING THIS BOOK” which also landed at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers Lists.
Bobby is the reigning “Dancing with the Stars” champion, winning the coveted Mirrorball trophy during the show’s 27th season with his dance partner, Sharna Burgess.
