Finally! Katy Perry’s American Idol Replacement Revealed…
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The search is now over! All eyes have been on who the American Idol judges were going to be for 2025 with Katy Perry’s exit officially leaving a seat open at the table. And boy, were there some names being thrown around to replace her. But now we have to wonder no longer because we officially know who is replacing her.
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Who are the American Idol judges for 2025?
Carrie Underwood is coming back home. Deadline is reporting that the singer, one of the most famous singers to come out of American Idol, is set to join the singing competition as a judge for American Idol Season 23. Underwood will join Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, who both joined the show in Season 16. Host Ryan Seacrest is also confirmed to return for Season 23.
American Idol‘s third judge, Katy Perry, announced her exit from the series in an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February 2024. “I love ‘Idol’ so much, it’s connected me with the heart of America,” Perry said. “But I feel like I need to go out to feel that pulse of my own beat.”
Though Perry was leaving American Idol, she confirmed that she’d be open to coming back in the future if the opportunity presented itself. “I love the show so much but I want to see the world,” Perry said. “Maybe I’ll come back if they have me one day.”
In May 2024, a source told Life & Style that Jon Bon Jovi was the top contender to replace Perry on American Idol Season 23. “Jon is the undisputed top contender to succeed Katy,” a source told Life & Style at the time. “A living legend with undeniable charisma, he possesses all the qualities necessary to command the stage and captivate TV audiences.”
The only issue was Bon Jovi’s alleged “astronomical financial expectations,” which reportedly included a $25 million salary, the same amount that Perry reportedly also made as an American Idol judge. “The crux of the matter is money. To secure a true rock icon of his caliber, one must invest accordingly!” Life & Style’s insider said.
Bryan previously told Entertainment Tonight in April 2024 that he wanted singer Meghan Trainer, who appeared as a coach on Season 21, to replace Perry as American Idol’s new judge. “I think Meghan’s always been real fun,” Bryan said. “You know, that’s kinda been her brand, to have fun. [She’s] real witty, so certainly.” Seacrest also thought Trainor would make a good judge. “She was very good. Meghan is a super talent too, and she’s got a great sense of humor. She’s fun and she’s spontaneous.”
Richie, for his part, nominated Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift to replace Perry. “I’ve got my list, but Kelly [Clarkson], if you don’t have anything else to do, I’d like to drop that out there — I’m a big fan,” Richie said. “Oh, and by the way, Taylor [Swift] if you’re available, we’d like to have you out. Call me!” He also added that whoever replaces Perry has to fit in with the current panel. It’s gotta be fun, but no ego. Because we’re gonna insult each other so much,” he said. “And when you’re with Luke, he doesn’t know he’s killin’ ya.”
There was also a rumor that former judge Jennifer Lopez — who served on the panel in Seasons 10 and 11, as well as Seasons 13 to 15 — could replace Perry. “A return from the past is on the cards,” a source told The Daily Mail in February 2024. And though that past didn’t end up looking like Jennifer Lopez, Underwood is indeed exactly that, a return from the past — and the past when the show was on top of the game. She is widely considered the most successful of the American Idol winners, having sold around 85 million records, and she is a familiar name for fans, plus one who is familiar with the process the contestants are going through, which means a lot on a show like this one.
Deadline confirmed that other names that were in talks before Underwood included Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber.
American Idol is available to stream on Hulu.
Watch ‘American Idol’ on Hulu
Check out our ranking of all of American Idol‘s winners — from Kelly Clarkson to Carrie Underwood — in the gallery below.
