ABC Renews ‘American Idol’ for Season 4

Host Ryan Seacrest announced on the season finale of “American Idol” on ABC last night that the singing competition has been renewed for a fourth season. This is no surprise, of course. While not the powerhouse it once was on former home Fox, “American Idol” has been a reliable performer for ABC, consistently winning Sunday in key adults 18-49. There is no word, however, on the future involvement of hosts Luke Bryan, Katie Perry and Lionel Richie, or Ryan Seacrest.

Last night’s season-ender, shot remotely, featured performances by Perry, Bryan, Cynthia Erivo, the star of Nat Geo’s upcoming “Genius: Aretha,” who sang a medley of Aretha Franklin songs, and Rascal Flatts and Lauren Daigle. Richie led a rendition of “We Are the World” with this season’s top 11 contestants, Perry, Bryan and past “American Idol” participants Alejandro Aranda, Fantasia, Gabby Barrett, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Laine Hardy, Lauren Alaina, Phillip Phillips, Ruben Studdard and Scotty McCreery.

As for last night’s winner, congratulations to Just Sam, who was the favorite all season.