It’s official: Kristopher Pooley, best known as Katy Perry’s band leader, has been named music director for American Idol. ABC confirmed the appointment in a press release on Wednesday, January 24, and also announced that talent manager Phil McIntyre will join the series as an executive producer overseeing music. This marks a significant musical leadership team for the rebooted Idol on ABC.
Pooley steps into the role charged with shaping the contestants’ musical arrangements, directing the live band, and advising performers as they develop toward becoming the next pop superstar. As music director, he will work directly with singers to craft arrangements that showcase their strengths while maintaining the high production standards viewers expect on a major television competition.
Kristopher Pooley is widely recognized for his work as Katy Perry’s band leader, and his résumé includes collaborations with a broad range of artists. His live-music credits include tours and arrangements for Adam Lambert (including the Original High World Tour), Gwen Stefani, Niall Horan, Demi Lovato, Kesha, DNCE, the Dixie Chicks, Miguel, Tegan and Sara, and Rita Ora. Pooley has also served as a multi-instrumentalist for artists such as Melissa Etheridge, Morrissey, the Smashing Pumpkins, Jane’s Addiction, and Siouxsie Sioux, demonstrating a versatile skill set across genres and performance settings.
In addition to his work on tour and in the studio, Pooley has substantial television experience. He has contributed to projects from producer Ryan Murphy, including the music-driven hit series Glee and its related projects, and has production credits on shows such as American Horror Story and The Glee Project. He also played a role in producing music for large-scale televised events, notably the Super Bowl Halftime Show. That combination of live-production expertise and television experience makes him well suited to the demands of a live-televised competition like American Idol.
Additionally, music producer, live music director, and multi-instrumentalist Kristopher Pooley has joined the series as music director. In this role, he will be responsible for working with the contestants to create song arrangements, leading the live band, and helping to guide and advise the contestants on their journey to become the next superstar. Pooley’s career has kept him busy producing music for television, including the Super Bowl Halftime show, “The Glee Project,” “American Horror Story,” “American Bible Challenge,” and “Glee,” among others. As a veteran live music director, Pooley has worked around the world arranging and music directing shows for Katy Perry, Kesha, Gwen Stefani, Adam Lambert, DNCE, Dixie Chicks, Miguel, Tegan and Sara, Niall Horan, Demi Lovato, Rita Ora; and as a multi-instrumentalist for Melissa Etheridge, Morrissey, Smashing Pumpkins, Jane’s Addiction, Siouxsie Sioux and many more.
ABC’s press release also announced Phil McIntyre as an executive producer who will oversee the show’s musical direction. McIntyre, known for managing major pop artists, joins Idol in a role similar to music executives who have previously influenced the series’ musical direction.
Earlier reports indicated that ABC had explored bringing back former American Idol musical director Rickey Minor for the reboot, but discussions reportedly stalled over financial terms. Minor is currently involved as musical director for another new competition series, The Four.
American Idol’s return to ABC is set for Sunday, March 11. With Hollywood Week already underway in Los Angeles, Pooley will soon begin working with contestants during intensive rehearsals and live performances. His appointment signals that the show is prioritizing experienced, television-savvy musical leadership to support the contestants and elevate live performances.
Expect Pooley’s influence to show in tighter arrangements, polished band performances, and thoughtful guidance tailored to each contestant’s vocal style and stage identity. For viewers and aspiring performers alike, having a seasoned live music director on board should translate into stronger musical moments and more compelling live television across the Idol season.
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