American Idol producers hope Jennifer Lopez will return to the judging panel, according to show insiders, who claim bosses could consider changing the entire panel after Katy Perry announced her shock exit this week.
Fans were left stunned after the 39-year-old pop star confirmed she will be leaving the popular ABC show on Monday, leaving room open for a new star to join the regulars Lionel Richie74, and Luke Bryan47.
“A return from the past is on the cards,” a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. ‘They will ask J.Lo to return. When people come back, things work… people like nostalgia and people like Jen. It would be a great achievement to get it back.
Lopez, 54, made her debut as a judge on Season 10 in 2011. She returned to the role for Seasons 11, 13, 14, and 15, enjoying rave reviews from fans throughout her run.
American Idol producers hope Jennifer Lopez will return to the judging panel, a source told DailyMail.com (pictured in 2012).
Katy Perry announced her shock exit this week, confirming that the current series of the competition show will be her last – pictured with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
But the source claimed that producers are also considering other possibilities, including recruiting younger names to appeal to a new demographic, and even Taylor Swift.
“The show could also get younger and have a younger voice in the mix, because if they keep Luke and Lionel, they want someone who’s a bit of a firecracker,” they continued.
“They would consider changing the entire panel if necessary, although they love Lionel and Luke.”
Both have served as judges since the revival in 2018.
“The show’s host Ryan (Seacrest) has told higher-ups to look for someone who is out of the ordinary if they do a full review,” the source continued. “Nobody thought Steven Tyler was going to be what he was and it was a fun choice.
“Right now all options are on the table, it will take a few months to work out all the details and a replacement, but Ryan is making them think outside the box.”
The source also claimed that bosses are anticipating big-name stars to throw their names into the ring, adding: “There are a lot of people who want this job, everyone will be considered and they have plenty of time to sort it out.”
“They will enjoy the ride and honor Katy’s senior year and announce her replacement around the end or when they officially get the green light to return next season.”
The producers aren’t afraid to shoot for the stars, as the source stated that they would even extend an offer to Swift, 34.
“They will offer you the job,” they said. ‘That’s a long shot.
Producers are reportedly interested in reestablishing a familiar face, and Lopez is the best choice, photographed in 2015 alongside Keith Urban on the panel.
Lopez, 54, photographed with Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Steven Tyler in a promotional image for season 11 in 2012.
‘They’re just thinking about what the best scenario would be, that is, getting the biggest star in the world. “But they’re not holding their breath about getting Taylor.”
Perry revealed that she had left American Idol during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday.
The multi-hyphenate had reportedly been planning her exit from the show since last year, when it was revealed that she repeatedly felt “thrown under the bus by producers” who she believed were purposely editing her to make her look like the “nasty judge.” .
‘I think this will probably be my last show, my last season for Idol. “I mean, I love Idol so much,” she revealed on the late-night show.
“It’s connected me to the heart of America, but I feel like I need to get out there and feel that pulse.”
The Grammy nominee noted that it was her seventh season and former judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson also left after seven seasons.
The show’s bosses hold no ill will towards Perry for her decision to step back after seven seasons, with the source adding: “ABC and the Idol producers are fine with Katy Perry making this her swan song on the show.” program”.
“They knew it was going to happen and for her to address it on another ABC show a few days before the season started was not a surprise.”
The source continued, “They will enjoy this season with Katy and she will always be welcome.”
In fact, his decision to quit is considered a big turning point for the series, as there are hopes that it could reinvigorate interest.
Lopez appeared on five seasons of the show before it was canceled in 2016.
Bosses reportedly will approach Taylor Swift, but know it’s a ‘long shot’
The source explained: “It gives the show new life because all season long there will be talk about who his replacement will be, whether they will do a complete overhaul and the show will be in the news all the time, which is great for ratings.
“Then there will be talk about next season because everything will be new. Look at what The Voice does all the time.
Considering Perry is currently the highest-paid judge with a reported salary of $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, the network will surely need a big paycheck to court an entertainer of the same caliber, or an even better-known name.
Lopez, who is gearing up for the release of her ninth studio album this week, has already been gaining traction online, and fans are convinced she’ll make a big comeback.
The Jenny From the Block singer enjoyed five seasons in total. She left briefly in 2012 before returning in 2014, and was there for the last series before its cancellation in 2016.
Speaking previously about her decision to step down in 2012, she said: “I really learned a lot about myself.” She had a purpose.
And I felt like I had to work more on my acting, on my singing, on my dancing, on my everything. “I just need to be better in every way.”