After Katy Perry announced her exit from “American Idol” in February, the search for her replacement is underway, and fellow judge Luke Bryan has dropped some intriguing hints. In a recent interview with Billboard, the country star revealed a few names being considered for the next judge on the popular ABC singing competition series.
“I’ve said several names. I think Pink has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks,” Bryan, 47, shared. “It’s been interesting. It’s been something Disney has been really tight-lipped about with me, Lionel [Richie], and Ryan [Seacrest]. 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, who joined “American Idol” as a judge during season 16 alongside Perry and Richie, acknowledged the challenge of replacing Perry. “I think they’re just working real hard to find somebody that can really come in and do the job that Katy did,” he said, adding that she was “perfect for the job.”
Meghan Trainor, one of the potential candidates mentioned by Bryan, expressed her enthusiasm for the role during a June 12 interview on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.” “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,” Trainor, 30, said. “I have begged for this job. I haven’t heard any updates, so check my emails, but that is my dream job. I want to drive to work at ‘American Idol’ and then drive home.”
Meanwhile, Kelly Clarkson, the show’s first-ever winner, has ruled herself out as a possible replacement. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she explained, “No. No. I can’t do that, only because I promised my kids. I was like, ‘I wanna be there as much as I possibly can.’ And it would put me in L.A.”
Since her departure from “American Idol,” Perry has been busy with her music career, announcing the release of her new single “Woman’s World” on July 11. The track is the first single off her upcoming sixth studio album, which has yet to be announced.
With Bryan and Richie still in limbo about their return, the anticipation builds as fans eagerly await Disney’s decision on the new judge lineup for “American Idol.”
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