JUST IN: Bobby Bones Is Not Returning To ‘American Idol’

It’s official – Bobby Bones is not returning as the in-house mentor on American Idol. 

The radio and television personality confirmed the news via Instagram stories when answering fan questions on Thursday (Dec. 30). 

“Some of you noticed I’m not in the Idol promos this season. My contract with my new network won’t let me do another show right now,” he revealed, adding, “Love Idol, BTW. Was a great four years.” 

Bones joined American Idol during its first season at ABC in 2018. During seasons 1 and 2, Bones was the mentor for the Top 24. 

He was later brought on as the official in-house mentor for seasons 3 and 4 on the network. 

Season 20 (season 5 at ABC) of American Idol, featuring Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, and longtime host, Ryan Seacrest, is set to premiere on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 8/7c on ABC. 

Bones’ next venture remains unknown. He recently spent several weeks filming for a yet-to-be-announced project in Costa Rica. 

“As soon as I can say, I will. The network hasn’t even announced the show yet,” Bones shared when asked when he will be able to reveal why he was in Central America. “So I’m going to chill for a bit. But it’s a really good show.” 

Bobby Bones is the host of the nationally syndicated iHeartRadio program The Bobby Bones Show, which broadcasts to over 185 stations and is the No. 1 country morning show with millions of monthly listeners. He is the youngest-ever inductee into the prestigious National Radio Hall of Fame and winner of season 27 of Dancing with the Stars. 

In 2021, Bones’ show Breaking Bobby Bones debuted on National Geographic. He also serves as the host and executive producer of Circle Network’s Opry and is a two-time New York Times #1 bestselling author.