Who is taking Katy Perry’s place on American Idol? Possible replacements for next season

With fans already excited for Season 23 of American Idol, one question is running across America: who will replace Katy Perry on the judges panel?

It was announced earlier in the year that the ‘I Kissed A Girl’ singer was set to leave the show after sharing a stage with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on ABC’s hit show since its revival in 2018.

The artist was visibly emotional when she saw host Ryan Seacrest at the start of the show, and her emotional farwell left few fans without tears in their eyes. During the three-hour finale, Perry took the stage with third-place finalist Jack Blocker where they performed “What Makes a Woman”.

Despite the fact that Perry didn’t directly address the viewers of the show, after announcing the winner of Season 22, Abi Carter performed “What Was I Made For?” Perry did indeed shed some tears.

Someone who ‘isn’t afraid of getting booed’ key for role

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest praised outgoing Perry for her “amazing generosity, love, and big heart, bringing a special spirit to the show. We hope whoever joins next will have a similar impact.”

Richie, for his part, called the departure “bittersweet” and said that “we’re going to lose one of the originators, if you will. We were a train wreck when we first met. I knew Katy, I knew Luke, but we had never worked together.”

“Once we realised that Katy’s going to come out of her clothes somewhere during the course of the show – a malfunction is going to happen – and Luke is going to eat the pizza and drop it on his lap, it’s enough to keep you on pins. But it worked. I’m going to miss this group. Katy is going to be missed.”

“The qualities I hope for are someone that is honest”, Perry herself said about her replacement. “Someone that is constructive with their words. Someone that is leading with their heart – heart-centred and less ego – and isn’t afraid to speak their mind and isn’t afraid if sometimes that’s polarising, isn’t afraid of negative comments, isn’t afraid of getting booed just as long as they are speaking their mind and true to themselves.”

Who is taking Katy Perry’s place on Season 23 of American Idol?

Megan Trainor is one name who has been heavily linked with the role on American screens. Regarding the possibility of Trainor replacing the 39-year-old, host Seacrest commented, “She was very good. Meghan is a super talent with a great sense of humour. She’s fun and spontaneous.”

That certainly fits with what Richie said about the new, still undecided replacement: “You’ve got to bring your character. Be who you are. Katy’s Katy. It’s like singing a Whitney Houston song. Don’t try to sing it like Whitney; interpret it.

“They have to tolerate two crazy brothers like me and Luke,” he said, “it’s got to be somebody that identifies with the young culture.”

In addition to Trainor, country star Jelly Roll admitted that while he hasn’t received an offer, he’s definitely interested in the role. “Of course! Consider?! I’ve accepted the job, and they haven’t even offered it,” he joked. However, there is no smoke without fire and Seacrest said of the singer that “You cannot take your eyes off Jelly Roll”, before adding “he is so charming, he’s a force in music.”

Lastly, Jon Bon Jovi has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Perry. A source told Yahoo that “Jon is the undisputed top contender to succeed Katy.” The rock star was spotted greeting the finalists before the show aired on Sunday, May 19, adding fuel to the fire.