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Bobby Bones Confirmed To Return To ‘American Idol’ As In-House Mentor

It’s official – Bobby Bones is returning to American Idol. The multi-media personality will resume his role as the show’s…

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

October 12, 2020

2:19 pm

Bobby Bones; Photo by ABC/Stewart Cook

It’s official – Bobby Bones is returning to American Idol.

The multi-media personality will resume his role as the show’s in-house mentor and will join previously announced judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest for Idol’s fourth season at ABC.

According to a press release, the award-winning personality “will once again offer his industry expertise, helping hopefuls tap into their artistry and take their performances to the next level.”

Bones’ fate on the show was previously unknown due to possible scheduling conflicts with his new National Geographic Show, Breaking Bobby Bones, but it appears Bones’ schedule will now allow for him to take part in the hit show once again.

American Idol auditions are underway once again with “Idol Across America” virtual auditions taking place on Oct. 20, 23 and 28. Fans can learn more about the audition process by clicking HERE.

The news of Bones’ return to Idol comes just hours after he announced his engagement to Caitlin Parker.

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.