Another season of American Idol has come to an end, but before ABC can begin scouring the country for music’s next superstar, it needs to track down an even more elusive treasure — the perfect replacement for exiting judge Katy Perry.
The “I Kissed a Girl” singer made her final appearance at the show’s May 19 finale, where she performed wearing a dress printed with the faces of the contestants she guided during her tenure on Idol.
And you have to admit, Perry is leaving some pretty big shoes to fill. During her seven seasons on Idol, she was always down for anything, including several over-the-top Disney Night costumes we’ll never forget. (Remember when she almost missed her entrance because she was squeezing into that Elastigirl suit? We got second-hand chafing just watching her on that stage.)
To aid ABC in its search (or at least to keep on file in case a “we told you so” is in order), TVLine has compiled a list of 10 women we could see filling Perry’s empty seat next year. Our picks include some of the biggest names in music, featuring several former Idol contestants — and even one previous judge whom we’d like to bring back for a shot at redemption.
Read on for 10 TVLine-approved replacements, then drop a comment with your own picks below. Who belongs in between Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan when Season 23 premieres in 2025?
Just give us a reason, just a little one’s enough, why Pink doesn’t deserve a seat on the Idol judges’ panel. Pictured here as a guest mentor on The Voice, Pink is a frequent attendee of the Disney parks, which means she already has an in with the Mouse. Plus, just imagine what kind of stunt this queen of acrobatic trickery could pull off in a Tinkerbell costume on Disney Night.
Mother Monster appears focused on nurturing her big-screen career at the moment, but she could feasibly balance her filming schedule with a gig on Idol. And if any of those pesky migraines threaten to derail her busy work days, there’s always Nurtec!
Who better to shepherd the next generation of singers towards their musical destiny than a literal Child of Destiny? With experience judging both the U.S. and UK versions of The X Factor, Kelly Rowland could do this job in her sleep — assuming she doesn’t encounter any difficult security guards on her way inside the studio.
Veering away from traditional recording artists hasn’t always gone well for Idol (Ellen DeGeneres, anyone?), but we have a feeling that Hudgens — fresh off her win as The Masked Singer‘s Goldfish — would get along swimmingly with Luke and Lionel. Come on, when have you ever not been glad to see her?
Doesn’t Tori Kelly already look totally at home sitting next to Lionel Richie here? The multiple Grammy Award winner nailed her gig as a guest mentor this season, and we’re sure she could be even more valuable at the table. Besides, isn’t it fun to think about Kelly — who was eliminated from Idol during Hollywood Week back in 2010 — returning as the show’s new queen bee? Justice!
If it’s a wet ass panel ABC is looking for, consider the search over! Meghan the Stallion provided plenty of spice in her two-season stint as a judge on Max’s Legendary, and we’re sure she could be an even bigger asset to Idol — albeit on a slightly smaller throne.
Since we’re throwing Megan Thee Stallion’s name into the ring, why not also her partner in WAP? Assuming she can keep things relatively family friendly, Cardi B would be an absolute hoot to watch on Idol.
Assuming it wouldn’t be overkill to have two country music superstars on the panel, may we present Carrie Underwood? Not only is she an Idol winner, therefore capable of speaking to the contestants from a place of experience, but she also has lots of TV hosting practice under belt via multiple CMA Award ceremonies. Maybe we’ll let Jesus take the wheel on this one.
Fox would probably rather we forget that The Four ever happened, given that one judge was fired over sexual harassment claims, while another judge… was Sean Diddy Combs. But TVLine remembers. More importantly, we remember enjoying Meghan Trainor’s turn as a judge, a gig we’d love to see her replicate on Idol.
We know what you’re thinking: Idol already tried putting Nicki Minaj on the panel back in Season 12, and it did not go well. But hear us out — that’s only because anything she did was eclipsed by her feud with fellow judge Mariah Carey. Nothing about that season went well. If you happened to catch Nicki as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2020, you know she has what it takes to effectively, insightfully guide contestants in the right direction. Just keep the haters out of her way.
I feel like Demi Lovato was great on the x factor. I feel like she would fit in well with the other two judges as well
I would love that but I doubt she’d be up for that
Selena gomez has a relationship with Disney through the new wizards show and only murders in the building. She would be my second choice behind demi
Out of those 10 picks, I think Pink is the best one to replaced Katy Perry on American Idol.
I think Megan Trainor should be a next american idol judge
And pink
Doubt she would do it since she has a show that is doing well now.
No – she was so mean! Demi is just too cranky – we need a lighter spirit, in my opinion, for idol. It’s a friendly welcoming show.
Demi has brain damage and goes on crazy rants while “California Sober”. She infamously OD twice and you can only cheat death so many times. Ice cream drama? Crazy engagement? Uninsurable.
Carrie Underwood hands down!!!
Carrier underwood, Lee Ann Rimes,Donny Osmond.
Katy will be very very missed. As for her replacement, first and foremost it must be female. Three famous male judges would be way overkill on testosterone and intimidation factors to young inexperienced children in most cases. I vote for Megan Trainer or Kelly Clarkson. They can both mesh very well with Luke and Lionel plus are both well versed in musical knowledge and experience helping newbies in the singing competition. Plus they both also possess their own comedic chops.
Carrie or Lee Ann Rimes definitely butt NOT donny Osmond. First off it has to be a female, with potential comedic chops that can mesh with Luke and Lionel.
I would sure love to see Donny Osmond. But I’m not sure if today’s contestants would know who he is. I know..not like they remember Lionel Richie either!
Underwood or GaGa please…or Fantasia ❤
I think Carrie Underwood would be spectacular, but I’d love to see H.E.R. considered for the spot as well.
HER??
Ann? 😂🤣😂
you just made me spit my coke!
Carrie Underwood or Meghan Trainer!
DEFINITELY NOT NICKI MINAJ!!!
Thanks for that! Whenever I’ve seen Nikki on TV previously, I felt she had no talent for it.
Carrie Underwood
You’ve got to choose someone who can devote their time away from touring on the road and someone who isn’t so emotional that she would pitch a diva fit if her chair wasn’t comfortable! (That eliminates most of the ten!) I would love to see Kelly Rowland in that seat but she has proven herself to be a bit of a diva. Pink might be good but does she have the time? I would say that they need to bring in…….(drumroll)……..JELLY ROLL!!
He was so good as a mentor last season, I think this would be an awesome choice.
Kelly definitely hasn’t proven to be a diva. Instead she’s proven to know her worth and stand up for herself, which makes her a great role model.
What worth does she have??
Well, first off, as a human being. We all have some sort of worth. But at some point we recognize our own worth and celebrate it. Kelly is a world-renowned star and fabulous singer. She might not be your particular cup of tea, but she is definitely worth something.
Using your logic almost 99.99% of jobs would never be filled. Only the lead in a movie, the lead singer in a band, and the top fighter on a card would be jobs worth having.
Kelly Rowland has been okay in her roles as a judge on X Factor and coach on The Voice, but lately she has been developing a bit of an ego in an attempt to present herself as a bigger star than she is.
Treating the cast of The Today Show horribly is not “knowing your worth”. Berating a security guard for doing their job because you think it ruins the photo op you’re going for at the Met Gala is not “knowing your worth”. Both instances show that social media fandom goes to the head of these celebs.
I wholeheartedly disagree with your characterization. Whenever a woman stands up for herself, she’s seen as arrogant. And if a Black woman stands up for herself, it’s amplified. Every interview Kelly has taken in the last decade has included questions about her best friend instead of her. They invite her to be interviewed, but then get preoccupied with the star wattage of Beyoncé. Kelly merely said that’s enough and walked out of Today Show. You can villainize her all you want, but you’re wrong. If your mother decided to recognize her own worth, would you call her names?
Not Jelly Roll they need a woman
Oh please…Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B would be horrible! They would make the show all about them!!
Lady Gaga and Kelly Rowland wouldn’t be much better!
Pink or Carrie Underwood would be much better choices!
I agree. Kelly Rowland definitely isn’t as me me me as the others though – she just wasn’t memorable on X factor. I always found her comments obvious and a bit dull. But she seemed like a really nice person.
So many for Carrie but I would rather wait and have her replace Luke Bryan someday, and not have two country judges. She would be great when the time comes though. I’m surprised Alanis isn’t on here after filling in last year.
What about Ariana Grande?
Nicki Manaj- really? She is done. And she is extremely annoying. Not to mention why anyone on this list would want to sideline their active music careers to join a show that peaked 10 years ago???
Totally think it should be Pink!
Tori Kelly would be great!
Meghan Trainor would be also great
Tori has a history with the show.
Meghan was a great mentor this season.
I disagree – only because I find both options to be too “low wattage”. It would feel like we were going backwards and getting a rerun, to me.
Cancellation would be Best. Can’t hold a candle to the “Voice”. Not even close. Anyone can replace perry
Exactly how many stars has the Voice launched? idol has been a career builder, Voice is all about the judges.
The production of Idol and the great work by Ryan S as host has put Idol well in front of The Voice in recent seasons.
Of the group listed above I would like Carrie (but I doubt her schedule could work) but would be happy with Meghan T or Tori K.
I have found the voice to be dull. How many people have made successful careers coming out of the Voice compared to Idol? Idol wins thar hands doen.
Out of all of these, the only one I like is Tori Kelly. She was really good with the contestants. Not on your list is Alanis Morissette. She did surprisingly well last season with giving feedback. Think she’d be a good judge, too. But nobody will bring the spark & personality to the show that Katy brought! She’ll be missed!!
I felt Megan was good with the contestants too!
There’s only one on your list that would even make sense and that’s Meghan but she doesn’t need it. She needs to put her family and music first and second then a very small helping Idol.
JORDIN SPARKS WANTS THIS GIVE IT TO HER ABC!!!!!
I think Jordin would bring more viewers than Carrie would as a judge.
Honestly?? Does anyone even know who Jordin is now? What has she done since she won the show?
A movie for sure.
Definitely not gaga or Minaj.
They both have personally issues. Can’t seem to want to see gaga coming onto the stage wearing meat 😠
Pink or Lady Gaga would be great!
Meghan Trainor 100%
Our only choice is Carry Underwood. Next 9.
Tori Kelly of even better, Meghan Trainor would be great choices. Just about every other one would STOP us from watching! Even the former WINNER is what people call a Mega-Bitch!
Carrie Underwood would definitely help. I think that Pink could be tough and kind at the same time. Toni Braxton would be a great name as well.
How about the OG, Paula Abdul? She’s smart, classy and nice. Bring her back~ Less attitude and more talent! Big fan of Megan Trainor. Taylor Swift would be awesome but she’s too busy. We need to round it out with less country stars and more rock or pop. Pat Benatar, anyone?
I love Paula, but it’s been a long time since she was on the show. Did you watch X factor? She spoke such absolute drivel. It was v odd
Carrie Underwood. ❤️🩹
Megan Trainor
Carrie Underwood.
Just get Jordin Sparks. She’s already expressed interest, and I would seriously consider watching the show again if she (or any former Idol contestant) were to join the panel.
I’d vote for having all 3 American Idol judges be successful top finishers from past seasons.