Katy Perry‘s surprising exit from American Idol has left fans curious about who will take her place among fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
An insider reportedly dished to The Daily Mail that Jennifer Lopez, who previously held the role for five seasons, is being considered as Perry’s replacement.
Additionally, the source claimed that Taylor Swift may also be offered the opportunity to join the judging panel.
Who Will Fill In Katy Perry's Shoes As An 'American Idol' Judge For The Show's 23rd Season?
With plenty of A-list celebrity judges to choose from, one source recently told The Daily Mail that Lopez, 54, and Swift, 34, are the primary candidates being considered to take over the judging role from Perry, 39. "A return from the past is on the cards," the musical competition show insider said, adding: "J.Lo will be asked to come back."
Lopez, as fans know, was a judge on the 10th season of Idol in 2011, and her expertise was called upon once again for seasons 11, 13, 14, and 15. "When people come back, things work... people like nostalgia, and people like Jen," the insider went on. "It would be a big get to get her back."
The source also revealed that the Idol team is thinking of asking Swift to judge on the show. "She will be offered the job," they noted, while acknowleding that this would be "a long shot." The insider continued: "They are just thinking about what would be the best-case scenario, namely to get the biggest star in the world. But they aren't holding their breath on getting Taylor."
During her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this month, Perry revealed that she would not be returning as a judge for Idol after seven seasons. Although Perry is gearing up for new music projects, she acknowledged her departure from the popular singing competition show.
While speaking about her Idol journey with host Jimmy Kimmel on his late night talk show, the "Dark Horse" singer explained: "I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat, you what I’m saying Jimmy?"
Kimmel, 56, then asked the "Teenage Dream" hitmaker what her fellow Idol judges Bryan, 47, and Richie, 74, would think of her leaving the show. Perry joked: "Well they’ll find out tonight!" She went on, adding that Bryan and Richie "know that I have some things planned for this year." She added: "So it’s going to be a very, very exciting year … for all popstar girlies!"
Perry continued, and gushed about her Idol coworkers: "I love them so much." She revealed that Bryan and Richie had been cognizant of her intentions to depart from Idol upon witnessing her presence "in the studio." Perry continued: "They figure I’ve been in the studio for a while so they figured something is coming. I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music."
During the interview, Kimmel pressed Perry on the topic of potential successors and inquired about the possibility of a ceremonial handover of her crown. "Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan," Perry replied. In 2018, Perry memorably joined Idol's judging panel, which included Bryan and Richie, for the show's revival on ABC.
This came after its initial 15-season run on Fox. ABC made an announcement in July 2023, noting that Perry, Bryan, and Richie will be returning as judges for the 22nd season. The premiere episode of the new season aired on February 18th.
During her interview with Kimmel, Perry expressed her willingness to consider a potential comeback to the series. "Maybe I’ll come back if they'll have me one day!" she shared. The comedian then joked in response: "I'm sure they'll be very happy to have you and if it turns out you want to come back I'm sure they'll fire whoever replaces you."
