With Katy Perry stepping away from her role on American Idol, the singing competition will return for Season 23 in 2025 with a new lineup of judges. ABC confirmed it greenlit the show for another season toward Season 22’s finale, which saw Abi Carter emerge as the winner. The American Idol fandom received the news with mixed feelings as Perry wouldn’t be part of the upcoming season. Alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, the American singer debuted as a judge on the show following ABC’s revival in 2018.
Katy Perry announced her exit from the show in February 2024 on Jimmy Kimme Live! She told the host she won’t return after Season 22 because she wants to “see the world and maybe bring new music.” With so many memorable moments and the sparkle she brings to the show, replacing Katy Perry could be challenging for ABC. Since her departure was confirmed, fans of the show have been speculating on her replacement, here are five potential prospects.
1. Taylor Swift
Multiple sources have claimed that the “Shake It Off” singer is being considered for the role. ABC has neither confirmed nor denied this, but one of the returning judges lent credibility to the claim. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Lionel Richie acknowledged it would be tough to replace Perry but named Swift a suitable candidate. “Taylor Swift, if you’re listening out there… Luke and I would love to have you join us,” he said. Should the singer decide to join the judges, she will bring to the show her wealth of experience in the music and entertainment industry at large.
2. Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor is a top contender for the spot — she’s been endorsed by Luke Bryan and American Idol’s host Ryan Seacrest. The duo told Entertainment Tonight the pop star is ideal for the job. “I think Meghan’s always been real fun. You know, that’s kinda been her brand…” stated Bryan. Seacrest agreed with him. “Meghan is a super talent,” he told the publication, “and she’s got a great sense of humor. She’s fun and she’s spontaneous,” added the host.
The “Me Too” singer has declared American Idol her dream job. Following Perry’s exit, she told Access Hollywood she’s been lobbying for the role. “I’ve been going everywhere, being like, ‘hi, American Idol, please choose me to be a coach… or judge; I will be the best, I will give my whole heart and soul.” With Trainor’s waves of influence as a singer-songwriter and television personality, there’s no doubt she’s fit for the role.
3. Kelly Clarkson
Apart from Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie also thinks American Idol Season 1 winner, Kelly Clarkson, is fit for the role. Besides being the first star that emerged from the show, Clarkson is an accomplished singer-songwriter and television personality. She has the relevant experience to serve as a judge on American Idol, having played similar roles in other singing competitions, including Duets and The Voice. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Richie invited Clarkson to vie for the position if she’s not occupied with other projects.
4. Jordin Sparks
American Idol Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks was the first to express interest in the vacant position. After Katy Perry divulged she would be leaving the show, she wrote to American Idol on X, throwing her hat in the ring for the available spot. “…@AmericanIdol—I hear a seat opened up at the judges’ table! I’m putting my name in the hat!” reads her X post. The youngest American Idol winner of all time, Sparks’ multifacet career in entertainment would surely inspire and guide contestants if she’s offered the job.
5. Jelly Roll
If it were up to Katy Perry to appoint her replacement, she’d go for Jelly Roll. The American singer and rapper appeared on American Idol Season 22 to mentor the contestants. Speaking to E! News, Perry fondly recalled Roll’s time on the show as she proclaimed him a suitable candidate for the position. “Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,” she said, “to have any of these guys plus Jelly on the show would be amazing.”
With fans rooting for him to become a permanent fixture on the show, Roll might bag the job. But then, will the show feature an all-male judge panel? That’s unlikely, especially as the host is also male. Check out 5 things you didn’t know about American Idol Season 22 winner Abi Carter.
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