Luke Bryan Doesn’t Know If He’s Returning to American Idol, Reveals 3 Possible Katy Perry Replacements
While Katy Perry is busy Windexing her diamond RIAA trophies, ABC is busy searching for her replacement on American Idol — and fellow judge Luke Bryan has a few ideas of his own.
Speaking with Billboard about which artist might fill Perry’s vacant seat on the panel in Season 23, Bryan mentions Pink, Miley Cyrus and Meghan Trainor, two of whom were included in TVLine’s own list of suggestions.
Of that trio, Trainor has been incredibly vocal about her interest in landing the “dream job,” revealing on a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live that she has “begged” the show’s team for a chance.
Another name rumored to be “keen” on the position is Adele, while Kelly Clarkson — who won the first season of Idol back in 2002 — has already stated that she wouldn’t want the gig, as it would further limit the time she can spend with her children.
But it’s important to note that nothing about Idol‘s future is confirmed as of yet. In fact, Bryan isn’t even sure if he will be returning to the show in 2025.
“It’s been interesting,” he tells Billboard. “It’s been something Disney been really tightlipped about with me and Lionel [Richie] and Ryan [Seacrest]. We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”
Bryan, Perry and Richie have been with Idol since Season 16, the first to air on ABC. Perry announced her departure in February, just days before the Season 22 premiere.
Who’s your pick to replace Perry on the Idol panel? And would you be crushed if either Bryan or Richie didn’t return in 2025? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.
Out of the 3 Luke mentioned Meghan Trainer would be the best fit. Personally I would love to see Paula Abdul. She has come a long way since the early days of Idol.
And yet she’s still a long way from being coherent, so I hope not.
I love Luke Bryan as a judge so glad Katy Perry isn’t returning she makes me sick with all her antics and her stupid outfits would love to see Meghan Trainer as a judge
Nothing has been said about next season, so we don’t know if any of the judges will be back or even if Ryan Secreast will be back.
no suggestions, but dont like any of the contenders.
Pink most definitely
Ugh…don’t love any of those choices! Definitely not Miley Cyrus!!!!! Won’t be the same without Katy.
I keep saying Alison Kruass.
Adele would be amazing
Meghan Trainor isn’t a big enough name to replace Katy Perry.
Alanis Morissette. Or if Gabby Barrett was a little older and a bit more seasoned, I think she’d make a very good judge because her constructive criticism and suggestions as a guest mentor a couple seasons ago was spot-on.
I would totally miss if Luke didn’t come back also. I think Ryan will leave soon because of too many jobs he has now. Meghan would be great replacement for Katy Perry.
Celine Dion, and I would love to see her bitch when someone mess up 😁
As usual, American Idol will likely put celebrity first and judging ability dead last, if it’s even taken into consideration at all in replacing one or two “judges.” Not every well-known singer is skilled at offering constructive criticism to aspiring singers. Idol should consider only those who are clearly qualified to handle the job at hand.
It probably won’t be another country singer, my guess is someone from the Pop world. P!nk is a great choice. I think Adele would likely be a good choice as well. Miley however seems like a more natural choice, having been on The Voice already and a more natural fit with the American Idol target audience.
One name I’d love to see considered is Janet Jackson, although doubtful if she’d ever agree to doing the show.
I’d like to see Idol go back to having at least one judge be an industry executive. It’d be especially refreshing to see a female exec. The Voice seemed to start the trend of having the entire panel be celebrities, and both shows now seem to have the judges overshadowing the contestants. At least when there were judges with skin in the game, there was an incentive to try and make the winner, and even other finalists, huge like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, etc. Now it’s just a game show where more often than not, the winner is crowned then it’s on to the next season.
ANNIE LENNOX OF THE EURYTHMICS!!!!!
I will love to see if Skylar Laine would replace Katy Perry.
I would like Adele as Perry’s replacement. However if Luke & Lionel don’t return. I will not be watching Idol.
Luke & Lionel have to come back. You make the show fun & exciting!!!
Alicia keys should be next
Jennifer Hudson.
If its Mylie Cyrus; that ends American Idol for me.
Meghan Trainor