As American Idol fans know, Katy Perry announced back in February that she is stepping down from her role on the series’ judging panel.
ABC has yet to announce her replacement, but the show’s first-ever winner Kelly Clarkson revealed this week that she is not a contender for the position.
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Kelly Clarkson Reveals That She Is Not Replacing Katy Perry On 'American Idol,' Much To Fans' Dismay
Many fans had speculated for the past few months that the "Since U Been Gone" hitmaker, 42, was in the running to take over for Perry, 39. Even current judge Lionel Richie expressed his support for Clarkson taking on the role.
However, in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the Kelly Clarkson Show host made it clear that she has no intention of returning to the competition that she won back in 2002.
"I can’t do that, only because I promised my kids," she dished to the outlet. Clarkson continued: "I was like, ‘I wanna be there as much as I possibly can.’ And it would put me in L.A., and that’s why I had to quit The Voice, which I love that team. And I miss them so much."
Clarkson used to host her eponymous talk show in Los Angeles, but she made the move to New York City last year in order to devote more quality time to her two children — daughter River, 10, and son Remington, 8, whom she shares with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. After her ninth and last season on The Voice as a judge, Clarkson left the show behind in 2023.
"I wanted a life for us," Clarkson explained to ET. "And we enjoy the park every day, and we enjoy each other. As a parent — people get this — you only get so much time until they don’t want to hang out with you. That’s the reason [I can’t do Idol]. It’s my kiddos."
Many fans have taken to social media over the past few days to express how sad they were to learn that Clarkson would not be gracing their screens once again on Idol's next season. Others on X (formerly Twitter) , however, could empathize with her decision.
"I like that Kelly has put her kids first and still has an awesome job!" one wrote as another tweeted: "I am proud of Kelly for making that commitment to her family." Someone else noted: "Respecting Kelly's decision to stay true to her roots and honor her journey with American Idol."
During last month's season finale of Idol, Perry bid farewell to her judging role with a heartwarming performance. The "Roar" singer graced the stage donning a one-of-a-kind dress adorned with the faces of the contestants she mentored throughout her tenure.
As a prominent personality on the show's revival starting from Season 16, many viewers have expressed that Perry has been a valuable asset to the show's success over the past six years, along with her fellow judges, Richie, 74, and Luke Bryan.
Other rumored replacements that the show's team is reportedly considering for Perry include Jennifer Lopez, Jelly Roll, Taylor Swift and more.
