Luke Bryan's Bombshell Revelation: 'American Idol' Future Is Unclear
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on July 2, 2024 at 3:15 PM EDT
Following Katy Perry's departure from the popular singing competition show "American Idol," many are questioning who will take over. "All About That Bass" singer Meghan Trainor, former Disney star Miley Cyrus, and "So What" artist P!nk have all been rumored to take Perry's spot.
However, Perry may not be the only judge needing replacement, as Luke Bryan, who has been with the show since its 16th season, says the future of "American Idol" is unclear.
'American Idol''s Future In Question
The country music singer recently sat down with Billboard to discuss the future of the singing competition show, revealing that he and Lionel Richie have yet to hear if they are returning for the 23rd season.
“It’s been interesting,” the country star told the outlet. “It’s been something Disney been really tightlipped about with me and Lionel and Ryan. We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”
Bryan added, “Katy was really perfect for that job, and I think they’re just working real hard to find somebody that can really come in and do the job that Katy did.”
Who Will Replace Katy Perry On 'American Idol?'
As to who could take over, the "One Margarita" artist told the outlet, “I’ve said several names. I think P!nk has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks."
Trainor recently joined the conversation, sharing that being an "Idol" judge would be an absolute dream come true for her.
“I’ve done every interview in the world and said that that is my dream job, and I have emailed three awesome people who work in that world who don’t really have the final say … but I have begged for this job … it’s my favorite show," she said on "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen." "I’ve watched it since I was a child.”
Perry, however, named dropped a different artist. "I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show. He could run for president, he could be my pastor, I might go back to church for him," she said. "He could sell me anything."
A Look Back At Past 'American Idol' Judges
Over the years, "American Idol" has worked with several celebrities, each of whom has mentored and taught thousands of artists as they competed for a spot in the finale.
The initial trio was Simon Cowell (2002-2010), Paula Abdul (2002-2009), and Randy Jackson (2002-2013), followed by other big-name artists such as Steven Tyler (2011-2012), Jennifer Lopez (2011-2012, 2014-2016), Nicki Minaj (2013), and Keith Urban (2013-2016).
The most recent panel consisted of Katy Perry (2018-2024), Lionel Richie (2018-present), and Luke Bryan (2018-present).
Fans will have to wait and see who else will join this long list of judges.
Luke Bryan Talks Katy Perry's Departure
Shortly after Katy Perry revealed she was departing from the show, Luke Bryan spoke out about the "rockstar."
“I thought she might be [leaving],” he said of his co-star. “She’s been a rockstar on the show and to have developed a friendship… we’ve had a great time together. When I took the Idol gig, I knew that she had already signed up to do it and I didn’t know her. Seven years later, to have spent so much time with her has been pretty awesome. She’s a trip.”
In a later interview, Bryan echoed, “I had heard whispers that she was thinking about [leaving], it wasn’t like a huge shock. It’s been a good run with Katy, and she and I have developed a great friendship. And to work alongside her, I mean, heck, I was there before her daughter was born, and now her daughter is three or four years old.”
He added, “Just seeing her be a mother through this whole process … I mean, it’s just really been fun getting to know Katy.”
Lionel Richie Speaks About His Friendship With Katy Perry
Last year, the 'American Idol' judges chatted about his relationship with the "Dark Horse" singer with USA Today.
“We can actually say things to each other and not take it personally,” Richie said in December. “The first season, we were all [kind of] tiptoeing around, [making] sure ‘I don’t want to offend you. You don’t want to offend me,'" but that obviously changed as Perry added, “I think the only person that talks to Lionel like I do is his daughter.”
Created by Simon Fuller, the show initially aired on Fox from 2002 - 2016 and was later revived by ABC on March 11, 2018.
