As announced during tonight’s telecast of ABC’s "Dancing with the Stars," Bobby Bones is set to join "American Idol" as the show’s in-house mentor.

Last season, Bobby joined the top 24 Idol hopefuls as they prepared to take the stage with their all-star celebrity duet partners. In his expanded role this season, the award-winning personality will offer his industry expertise throughout the competition, helping contenders reach the next level of their artistry and performances. Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame as the youngest honoree ever, Bobby Bones has been dubbed “the most powerful man in country music” (Forbes).

“American Idol” is returning to The ABC Television Network for the 2018-2019 season, after first making its return to airwaves as the No. 1 reality show launch for its inaugural season on the network during the 2017-2018 season. Helping to find the next singing sensations are music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. Emmy®-winning producer Ryan Seacrest will also return as host. The beloved singing competition series recently completed its open call Bus Tour auditions, visiting 24 cities across the country in a nationwide search for the next superstar. Judge auditions are currently underway in select cities across the country.