Who will replace Katy Perry on American Idol? Season 23 fan theories explained
KATY Perry announced her American Idol departure on February 12, 2024.
Now, fans of the singing competition series want to know who will replace the pop star judge.
When is Katy Perry leaving American Idol?
Katy Perry is leaving American Idol after six years and seven seasons to focus on new music.
The famous judge joined the series during season 16 and will depart following Season 22, which premiered on ABC on February 18, 2024, and is hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
As Forbes reported, Perry announced her exit on February 12 while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
"But I think this will probably be my last show, my last season for Idol," she said, in part.
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"I love Idol so much, I know. It's connected me with the heart of America. But I need to feel that pulse to my own beat," the Firework singer continued.
"I'm creating space for my new wingspan."
She also explained that the other judges — Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — "figured something is up" after noticing that the singing sensation has been spending time in the studio.
Although she is leaving the television series following Season 22's conclusion, Perry is open to a future return.
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"Maybe I'll come back if they'll have me one day," she said.
According to Distractify, the Season 22 finale is expected to air on May 12, 2024, though the exact date has not yet been confirmed.
Who do fans speculate will replace Katy Perry on American Idol?
Fans have varying theories about who will replace Perry on American Idol, speculating between multiple stars.
Some fans think Hollywood A-lister Jennifer Lopez — who served as a judge for five seasons beginning in 2011 — will return to the US reality show for Season 23.
In a Reddit thread titled "Katy leaving American Idol after 2024 season," one fan wrote, "Watch for Jennifer Lopez's return."
"Is J Lo’s PR team in this thread doing literal stealth marketing for her to judge? I’ve never seen so many fans come out of the woodwork so quickly and so uniformly," another said.
A source exclusively spoke with the Daily Mail about the Shotgun Wedding star's possible return.
"A return from the past is on the cards. J.Lo will be asked to come back. When people come back, things work... people like nostalgia, and people like Jen. It would be a big get to get her back," the source said.
However, American Idol could also go in a different direction.
"The show could also go younger and have a younger voice in the mix, because if they keep Luke and Lionel, they want someone who is a bit of a firecracker," the source continued.
"Show host Ryan [Seacrest] has told higher-ups to go for someone that is out of the box if they do a complete overhaul. No one thought Steven Tyler was going to be what he was and he was a fun choice.
"Right now every option is on the table, it will take a few months to figure out full details and a replacement, but Ryan is having them think outside the box."
"There are a lot of people who want this job, everyone will be considered, and they have a long time to figure it out," the source added.
"They are going to enjoy the ride and honor Katy's last year and announce her replacement around the finale or when they officially get the green light for a return next season."
According to the Daily Mail source, megastar Taylor Swift will be offered the judge role.
"She will be offered the job. That is a long shot," the source said.
"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."
Some took to the Reddit thread to root for the return of other past judges.
"Would love [S]imon to come back and [P]aula and [R]andy!" one fan wrote, referencing original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson.
"Simon would never return. They also could offer it to Paula Abdul," another fan responded.
Other fans are still hoping for a fresh face as Perry's replacement, with some suggesting singer Miley Cyrus.
"Let’s get Miley Cyrus," a fan wrote.
What did Jordin Sparks say about joining American Idol?
Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks took to X to express her interest in joining the American Idol judges following Perry's departure.
"Oh hiiii @AmericanIdol—I hear a seat opened up at the judges['] table! I’m putting my name in the hat!" she wrote with a shrug emoji via a February 16 tweet that has received more than 6,000 likes.
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Per Entertainment Tonight, Sparks "became the youngest contestant ever to win the competition at the age of 17" when she won season 6 in 2007.
At this time, it is unknown who will take on Perry's role after she leaves the show.