Ray Chew is officially taking the former seat of Rickey Minor as music director for “American Idol,” according to the Hollywood Reporter
Chew has served as bandleader and musical director for such programs as NBC’s “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” and “The Singing Bee.” He also curated all the music for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, where “Idol” alum Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem, and the inaugural ball ushering in Barack Obama’s presidency in January 2009, which featured performances by Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, and Sting, along with an unforgettable rendition of Etta James’ “At Last,” sung by Beyoncé as the first couple had their first dance.
