As American Idol prepares for its eighth season, fans can anticipate some notable changes. Long-standing judge Katy Perry will be leaving the show after this current season. With ABC’s popular singing competition now in its 23rd season, viewers can look forward to new faces and fresh perspectives as the show continues to evolve.
The “Roar” hitmaker, 39, announced her decision to leave Idol during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this year, citing a desire for more creative freedom and travel. Perry also confirmed that her fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were aware of her choice to depart.
Although Idol has yet to confirm the “Dark Horse” singer’s replacement, current judges have hinted at several contenders, which we’ve compiled into a list of eight possible future mentors for the show’s contestants, according to insider sources and comments from those currently on the panel.
Why Is Katy Perry Leaving 'American Idol?'
After seven seasons as a judge, Perry recently declared her departure from the popular singing competition during her Jimmy Kimmel Live! appearance. While discussing her upcoming projects, which include new music, Perry acknowledged that she will no longer serve as a judge on the show.
While speaking about her Idol journey with host Jimmy Kimmel on his late night talk show, Perry 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?"
Who Will Replace Judge Katy Perry On 'American Idol?'
Kimmel, 56, then asked the "Dark Horse" artist 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!"
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.
With all that said, now let's review the celebrity contenders who could take Perry's place:
Possible Contender #1. Jelly Roll
Perry acknowledged that country singer Jelly Roll could make a suitable judge replacement, especially since he was a successful and helpful guest mentor to contestants during a special episode this season. In an interview with E! News, Perry said: "I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show."
The "California Gurls" singer went on, regarding the "Need a Favor" artist: "I was convinced at anything he said. He could run for president, he could be my pastor, I might go back to church for him. He could sell me anything." Jelly Roll has also expressed his willingness to consider the position, although it has not yet been formally offered to him. Speaking to Audacity, he noted: "I’ve considered the job and they haven’t offered it."
#2. Kelly Clarkson
Richie has proposed that Kelly Clarkson, who was the very first winner of American Idol in 2002 may be the perfect candidate to take on the new role. While chatting with Entertainment Tonight, the "All Night Long" hitmaker said: "I’ve got my list, but Kelly, if you don’t have anything else to do, I’d like to drop that out there." Richie added: "I’m a big fan."
Clarkson, as Richie and fans know, previously served as a coach on The Voice from the fourteenth to the twenty-first season, and again for its 23rd, meaning she has experience mentoring hopefuls and fellow artists.
#3. Taylor Swift
Richie also told ET that Taylor Swift is another possible judge he is considering for the role, if the "Anti-Hero" singer is up to it. He quipped: "By the way, Taylor, if you’re available, we’d like to have you out here. Call me!" As one insider recently dished to The Daily Mail: "She will be offered the job."
They noted that, however, this would be "a long shot." The source 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."
#4. Jennifer Lopez
The aforementioned tipster also told The Daily Mail that the team at Idol is thinking of bringing Jennifer Lopez back as a judge. "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."
5. Meghan Trainor
Pop star Meghan Trainor, who was a guest mentor on the current season of the show like Jelly Roll, has also been taken into consideration by the judges of Idol.
"I think Meghan’s always been real fun. You know, that’s kinda been her brand, to have fun," judge Bryan told Entertainment Tonight. Regarding the "All About That Bass" singer, he added: "She’s real witty, so certainly."
Bryan disclosed to the outlet that he has additional A-list celebrities in his thoughts, but he was not yet willing to divulge their names. We also did some digging and found past Idol winners who have expressed interest in the judging role below.
6. Jordin Sparks
At the age of 17, Jordin Sparks claimed victory in Idol, making her the youngest winner to ever grace the stage. Since her triumph in 2007, she has made numerous appearances on the show. Moreover, she has shown eagerness to take on a role as a judge should the opportunity present itself.
Soon after Perry announced that she was leaving her position, Sparks wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Oh hiiii @AmericanIdol — I hear a seat opened up at the judges table!" the Season 6 winner continued: "I’m putting my name in the hat!"
7. Ruben Studdard
Ruben Studdard, who was the second-ever winner of Idol is also eager to join the show as a judge. Following his reveal as a contestant on The Masked Singer alongside fellow Idol Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken, Studdard sat down for an interview with E! News. "I would love it if they called me," Studdard said regarding the Idol team and the open judge position.
He added: "But I think that in any way that I can go back and give advice to the young people that are going through the show, I do that readily and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do that anytime."
8. Clay Aiken
Speaking of Aiken, the singer told E! News that he would be a "tough" judge in the hopes of helping contestants if he were to ever join the panel. Reflecting on his own experience on the show, Aiken emphasized his commitment to carefully considering and incorporating the judges' feedback and constructive criticism into his performances each week.
"We make ourselves better," he noted. "And I think that if there’s something that maybe the younger generations could use some of is some constructive feedback, because I think the goal of ‘Idol’ is to make sure that every kid who is on it improves and becomes as successful as Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard. That’s only possible if you really get constructive feedback."
We'll have to see who joins the panel in Perry's place!
