Not Him Too! American Idol Might Be Losing Another Judge Following Katy Perry’s Exit
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Katy Perry’s exit from American Idol has caused quite the shakeup, and she might not be the only judge who won’t be returning for Season 23. Is Luke Bryan leaving American Idol? We have all the details below.
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Is Luke Bryan leaving American Idol?
We’re not quite sure if Luke Bryan will be back next year for Season 23, and it appears that the “Play It Again” singer is also uncertain about his future at American Idol. Season 23 does not return to ABC until spring 2025, but there has been no official word about who will replace Katy Perry on the judging panel. Additionally, both Bryan and fellow judge Lionel Richie’s contracts have yet to be extended.
More: See Why Katy Perry Left American Idol
During a July 2024 interview with Billboard, Bryan revealed that Disney has been very guarded about not only Perry’s replacement, but his and Richie’s status as well. “It’s been interesting,” he 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.”
It’s unlikely that American Idol will axe Bryan and Richie, but the producers probably want to hold of on officially asking them back until they know for sure who the third judge is to make sure the new trio will have chemistry. Another reason for the delay could be the departure of longtime producer Wylleen Mary, who had been at the helm since Season 1 and was recently let go by Fremantle, the production company behind American Idol.
Bryan and Richie have their own opinions about who they’d like to see fill Perry’s shoes, but they also agree that someone who matches their personalities is what’s most important. “It’s gotta be fun, but no ego. Because we’re gonna insult each other so much,” Richie said during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “And when you’re with Luke, he doesn’t know he’s killin’ ya.”
More: Every American Idol Winner, Ranked
Several names have been floated as potential replacements, including Megan Trainor, Adele, Bon Jovi, Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson and former judge Jennifer Lopez. We know for sure that Clarkson won’t be selected, as she’s made it clear that she doesn’t want the job. “No. No. I can’t do that, only because I promised my kids,” she told Entertainment Tonight at the 51st Daytime Emmy Awards, adding of her family’s recent move to New York City: “I was like, ‘I wanna be there as much as I possibly can.’ And it would put me in L.A.”
Trainor, on the other hand, has been vert vocal about her desire to replace Perry. “I’ve done every interview in the world and said that that is my dream job,” the singer, who served as a coach on Season 21, said during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. “I have begged for this job.” She continued: “I haven’t heard any updates … but that is my dream job. I want to drive to work at American Idol and then drive home … It’s like my favorite show, I’ve watched it since I was a child.”
Perry, Bryan and Richie were made judges when the series was rebooted by ABC in 2018. After seven seasons, Perry announced her departure in February 2024, expressing her desire to make new music and get back on tour.
American Idol is available to stream on Hulu.
Watch ‘American Idol’ on Hulu
For more on American Idol, check out this gallery on the judges’ real-life partners.
