Katy Perry made her final appearance as a judge on “American Idol” during the Season 22 finale on May 19.
Perry, who, along with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, has been a staple at the judges’ table since the reality singing competition relaunched on ABC in 2018 after 15 seasons on Fox, announced in February that she would be departing the show following the just-concluded season.
With Abi Carter now crowned as the season’s winner and Perry having exited, speculation is rife among fans about who will succeed the “Roar” singer at the judges’ table.
Richie has expressed his enthusiasm for the return of original “American Idol” champion Kelly Clarkson as a judge. Additionally, other interested candidates include Season Three winner Fantasia Barrino and country music star Jelly Roll.
So, who will replace Perry on “Idol”? Here’s an early look at a few potential candidates.
Kelly Clarkson
In an April interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” Richie expressed his hope that original “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson would take over as Katy Perry’s replacement.
“Finding someone to replace Katy with a good sense of humor is crucial. It’s gotta be fun with no ego because we’re going to joke around a lot,” he said.
Richie mentioned that he and Clarkson, who has previously served as a coach on Seasons 14-21 and Season 23 of “The Voice,” have been friends for “a long time.”
“Kelly, if you’re available, I’d like to put this out there. I’m a big fan!” he added.
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Fantasia Barrino
Clarkson isn’t the only “Idol” champion being considered as a possible replacement for Perry.
Season Three winner Fantasia Barrino, who made a special appearance during last weekend’s “Idol” finale, previously told “ET” that she would be thrilled to take on Perry’s role.
“I’m gonna be honest, I would love to,” Barrino said.
The “Color Purple” star emphasized the importance of supporting the contestants in all aspects of their music careers. “I think those kids, when they’re entering the industry, need guidance not just on how to sing, but also on managing their careers because it’s a lot to handle.
“Having someone to advise them, ‘Hey, make sure you have this, make sure you have that. OK, sing this song, sing that song.’ Getting to know them, their background, what motivates them to sing, why they love this, why they want this,” she continued.
“I would love to do it. I would be up for it,” she added.
Jelly Roll
Katy Perry has shared her thoughts on who should replace her at the judges’ table. Her choice? Jelly Roll.
“I gotta say Jelly Roll was incredible when he came on the show,” Perry told E! News in April. “I believed everything he said. He could run for president, be my pastor, I might even go back to church for him. He could sell me anything.”
“So I love him,” she said.
The “Firework” singer added that she wants her replacement to be an honest person. “I want a truth-teller,” she said. “I want someone who is not afraid to tell the truth in a graceful way.”
When speaking to K-FROG’s “Kelli & Guy,” Jelly Roll responded enthusiastically when asked about Perry’s endorsement for him as the next “Idol” judge.
“Of course. … Consider? I’ve accepted the job and they haven’t offered it,” he joked.
The “Save Me” singer also praised Perry.
“How cool is Katy, though? When we were talking backstage the other day, she tells me this, just me and her — and my wife of course, everybody’s watching — she says, ‘I’m telling you, you need to replace me,’” he said.
“I always love people who are the same publicly as they are privately, you know what I mean? Because some people will tell you how great you are privately, but then won’t post your album. But for her to immediately bring me up in the first interview she gets asked, I’m like, ‘I love you, Katy!’” he added.
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Meghan Trainor
Perry’s fellow judge, Luke Bryan, and “Idol” host, Ryan Seacrest, both agreed that Meghan Trainor would be a strong candidate to replace Perry. This came up when “Entertainment Tonight” suggested the idea to the duo after the April 22 episode of “Idol,” which featured Trainor as a guest coach.
“I think Meghan’s always been real fun. You know, that’s kind of been her brand, to have fun,” said Bryan. “(She’s) real witty, so certainly.”
Seacrest praised Trainor as a “super talent” and highlighted her lively personality: “She’s got a great sense of humor. She’s fun and spontaneous.”
Bryan added that he had at least “10 names” in his mind for potential “Idol” judges but wasn’t ready to share.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com.
