The departure of Katy Perry from American Idol has piqued the interest of fans, who are now eager to know who will join judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on the panel for the musical competition show’s next season.
During a new interview with Entertainment Tonight (ET), Richie, 74, suggested two highly acclaimed singers — Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift — who he believes would be well-suited for the position in place of Perry, 39.
Lionel Richie Has His Eyes On Kelly Clarkson & Taylor Swift For Open American Idol Judge Spot
Speaking to the publication, Richie discussed several factors that he is taking into consideration when thinking about Perry's replacement. These range from the candidate's musical accomplishments to their interpersonal skills, particularly in their ability to collaborate effectively (and joke) with him and fellow judge, Bryan, 47.
"Finding someone to replace Katy with a sense of humor, it’s got to be fun but no ego because we’re going to insult each other so much," the "Dancing On The Ceiling" hitmaker explained.
During a recent encounter, Richie said he crossed paths with Clarkson, 42, the initial victor of the singing contest during its first season in 2002.
Although he did not vocalize his thoughts of having her join the show as a judge, he said that he did consider the idea of her returning to the show.
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"I didn’t want to bring that up," Richie said, adding: "Not only did I think about it, I slipped important notes. You know what I’m saying, Kelly, we’ve been together a long time."
The "All Night Long" singer continued: "Kelly, if you don’t have anything else to do, I’d like to drop that out there. Big fan!" Clarkson, as Richie and fans know, previously served as a coach on The Voice from the fourteenth to the twenty-first season, and again for its 23rd.
Richie also notably shared a photo with the "Since U Been Gone" singer last week. Richie captioned his post: "The #idol crossover you didn’t know you needed! Great running into the one and only @kellyclarkson this weekend!"
Richie also told ET that Swift is another possible judge he is considering for the role, if the "Anti-Hero" singer is up to it. He quipped: "By the way, Taylor, if you’re available, we’d like to have you out here. Call me!"
An insider reportedly dished to The Daily Mail back in February that Jennifer Lopez, who previously held the role of an American Idol judge for five seasons, was being considered as Perry’s replacement. Additionally, the source claimed that Swift may also be offered the opportunity to join the judging panel.
On February 12th, Perry revealed during her segment of a Jimmy Kimmel Live! episode that she will not return as a judge for the next season. "I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol," the "Dark Horse" singer said at the time.
"I mean, I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat." In 2018, after 15 seasons on Fox, ABC revived the show and Perry joined Richie and Bryan as a judge.
"I love them so much," she told host Jimmy Kimmel regarding Richie and Bryan, noting that they were aware that a change to American Idol's panel was coming. "They figure I’ve been in the studio for a while so they figured something is coming," Perry said, teasing new music.
