Katy Perry officially judging American Idol season 16 on ABC

The news is now official, and it’s every bit as surprising as it was when it was first rumored: Katy Perry will be an American Idol judge.

In a statement today centered around ABC’s upfront presentation, Perry had the following message to pass along in terms of getting this gig:

“I am honored and thrilled to be the first judge bringing back the American Idol tradition of making dreams come true for incredible talents with authentic personalities and real stories … I’m always listening to new music, and love discovering diamonds in the rough — from mentoring young artists on my label, or highlighting new artists on my tours, I want to bring it back to the music.”

At this point, it’s virtually a miracle that this happened for ABC — though it’s probably wrong to call it a miracle when they almost certainly paid through the nose to get Perry on the show. She’s an enormous star, the most-followed person on Twitter, and someone who could help make the show a hit immediately.

Overall, though, ABC’s probably the big winner of upfront season so far, leveraging their reality brands like Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor for additional spin-offs while also restructuring their schedule and announcing an upcoming Grey’s Anatomy spin-off themed around firefighters. None of this may end up working for them, but they’ve really emphasized this year television that makes you want to watch in the moment. They’re more conscious than perhaps any other network that getting people to watch live is essential to viability. DVR ratings and streaming deals are well and good, but getting linear advertisers and dollars is still the easiest way to see profits roll in.

For American Idol, the next challenge is finding two more judges to provide some unique insight of their own. Odds are, the network will choose to seek out people with music industry insight behind the scenes, people who will provide good feedback while also save a little bit of money. Three superstars like Perry on one panel could bring ratings, but it’d also shatter the bank in two.

What do you think about getting Perry on board American Idol season 16: Do you think that she will deliver the show in part back to the promised land? Sound off with some of your thoughts in the comments. (Photo: Fox.)