American Idol Season 22 Judges On What Katy Perry’s Replacement Needs

Summary American Idol judge Lionel Richie says that Katy Perry's replacement must be their own person.

Katy Perry hopes for an American Idol replacement who is honest, constructive, heart-centered, and unafraid to speak their mind.

Finding a replacement for Katy Perry on American Idol will be challenging because she is irreplaceable.

American Idol judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan have some ideas about what Katy's replacement needs in order to be successful on the reality singing competition series. The trio has been judging the show together since ABC revived the series in 2018. They've developed a great camaraderie throughout the past seven seasons. This will be the first time in seven years that the American Idol judging panel changes. It will be hard to find someone to take Katy's seat at the judges' table after the American Idol season 22 finale, which crowned Abi Carter as its champion.

"You've got to bring your character. Be who you are."

In an interview with USA TODAY following the American Idol season 22 finale, the judges gave their opinions about Katy's replacement. Lionel said, "You've got to bring your character. Be who you are. Katy's Katy." He added that the next American Idol judge must have "personality," a "quirk," and be able to "tolerate two crazy brothers like me and Luke." Lionel said that there are a lot of artists out there who can sing, but, "to join a very successful team you've gotta be confident of your space. You know who you are, and you'll last forever here. … It's got to be somebody that identifies with the young culture."

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Katy Perry Has High Hopes For Her American Idol Replacement

Katy Wants An "Honest" Judge To Take Her Seat

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Katy hopes that the person who replaces her will be "someone that is honest. Someone that is constructive with their words. Someone that is leading with their heart – heart-centered and less ego – and isn't afraid to speak their mind and isn't afraid if sometimes that's polarizing, isn't afraid of negative comments, isn't afraid of getting booed just as long as they are speaking their mind and true to themselves." Katy's comments describe someone who's just like her. She had a bold personality, but didn't steal the spotlight from the contestants. Luke added that it'll "really be interesting" to see who is chosen to replace Katy.

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So many different celebrities have been mentioned as possible replacements for Katy, including former American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez, American Idol season 22 mentors Jelly Roll, Meghan Trainor, and Jon Bon Jovi, American Idol season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift. While all of these stars would definitely light up the judging panel, it's going to be hard for them to match Katy's brightness. She was funny with her wild antics, surprising with her Disney Night costumes and outrageous outfits, entertaining with her outstanding performances, and sensitive with her gentle critiques of the contestants.

It will be very difficult for American Idol to find a replacement for Katy, but Lionel is absolutely right that whoever takes her place has to be their own person. Bringing in a copycat of Katy will only remind people of the void that she's leaving. Whoever replaces her must be incredible, because, really, Katy is irreplaceable. She truly loved the contestants, as evidenced by her beautiful finale night performance skirt, which extended to reveal that it was decorated with the faces of every Top 24 contestant she ever judged. Katy's exit marks the end of an era for American Idol, but the show will go on with her replacement.

American Idol season 22 is available to stream on Hulu.

Source: USA TODAY