ABC is "close" to landing KATY PERRY to be the main judge on "American Idol".
TMZ says they'll make it official TOMORROW, when they announce their schedule for next season at their 'upfront' presentation.
She'll probably be the only judge they announce, because the producers haven't even decided who they want for the other two spots.
The show is on a tight budget this time around, so after making a big splash with Katy, the other two spots will probably go to cheaper options . . . like a songwriter and a music producer.
And remember, RYAN SEACREST is still in the running to be the host, and he'll probably command a chunk of change, too.
For what it's worth, WILLIAM HUNG recently said he's "willing to consider" being a judge, guest judge or performer on the new "Idol". He also said he doesn't think that Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson betrayed the show by signing up to be coaches on NBC's "The Voice".
And NBC is insisting that they didn't sign Kelly and Jennifer to keep them from "Idol". They say they've been trying to get both of them for a while now, and the timing just happened to work out now.
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