American Idol producers are hoping to get Jennifer Lopez back on the judging panel, say show insiders, who claim bosses could consider shaking up the entire judging panel after Katy Perry announced her surprise exit this week.
Fans were stunned when the 39-year-old pop star confirmed on Monday that she was stepping down from the popular ABC show, leaving a spot for a new star to join regulars Lionel Richie, 74, and Luke Bryan, 47 becomes.
“A return from the past is coming,” a source told exclusively. “J.Lo is being asked to come back.” When people come back, things work out… people like nostalgia and people like Jen. It would be a huge achievement to get her back.'
Lopez, 54, made her debut as a judge on season 10 in 2011. She returned to the role in seasons 11, 13, 14 and 15 and enjoyed great feedback from fans during her appearance.
American Idol producers are hoping to bring Jennifer Lopez back on the judging panel, a source told (pictured in 2012).
Katy Perry announced her surprise 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 insider claimed producers are also considering other options, including recruiting younger names to appeal to a new demographic – and even Taylor Swift.
“The show could also go younger and have a younger voice because if they're going to keep Luke and Lionel, they want someone who's a badass,” they continued.
“They would consider changing the entire panel if necessary, even though they love Lionel and Luke.”
Both have been serving as jurors since the resumption in 2018.
“Show host Ryan.” [Seacrest] “told higher-ups that if they were doing a complete overhaul, they should go with someone who wasn't up to speed,” the source continued. “Nobody thought Steven Tyler would be what he was, and he was a fun choice.”
“All options are on the table at the moment. It will take a few months to find all the details and a replacement, but Ryan is making them think outside the box.”
The source also claimed bosses were expecting big stars to throw their names into the ring, adding: “There are a lot of people who want this job, everyone is being considered and they have a long time to find out .”
“They will enjoy the ride and honor Katy’s senior year and announce her replacement around the finale or when they officially get the green light to return next season.”
Producers aren't afraid to go after the stars, as the source indicated they would even make an offer to Swift, 34.
“She will be offered the job,” they said. “That’s far-fetched.
Producers are reportedly interested in bringing back a familiar face – and Lopez is the first choice – pictured in 2015 on the panel with Keith Urban
Lopez, 54, pictured with Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Steven Tyler in a promotional image for season 11 in 2012
“They're thinking about what the best case scenario would be, which is to get the biggest star in the world. But they're not holding their breath to get Taylor.”
Perry announced she had quit American Idol during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday.
The multihyphenate had reportedly been planning her exit from the show since last year when it emerged that she had repeatedly felt “thrown under the bus” by producers who she believed were deliberately manipulating her to look like the “evil judge” looked.
“I think this will probably be my last show, my last season of Idol.” “I mean, I love Idol so much,” she revealed on the late-night show.
“It connected me to the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse.”
The Grammy nominee pointed out that it is her seventh season and former judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson also left after seven seasons.
Show bosses feel no ill will toward Perry over her decision to step down after seven seasons, with the insider adding: “ABC and Idol producers are fine with Katy Perry making this her swansong on the show.”
“They knew it was coming, and her bringing it up on another ABC show a few days before the season started was no surprise.”
The source continued, “You will enjoy this season with Katy and she will always be welcome back.”
In fact, her decision to quit is seen as a major turning point for the series, as there is hope that she could reignite interest.
Lopez appeared in five seasons of the series before it was canceled in 2016
Bosses will reportedly turn to Taylor Swift – but they know it's a 'long shot'.
The insider explained: “It gives the show a new lease of life because there's going to be talk all season about who's going to be her successor, if they're going to do a complete overhaul and the show is going to be in the news all the time, which is great .” Reviews.
“Then there's 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, according to Celebrity Net Worth, with a salary of $25 million, the network will certainly need a big check to bring in an artist of the same caliber or an even bigger household name.
Lopez, who is gearing up to release her ninth studio album this week, has already gained popularity online and fans are confident she will make a grand return.
The “Jenny From the Block” singer had a total of five seasons. She briefly quit in 2012 before returning in 2014, and appeared on the final series before it was canceled in 2016.
Speaking previously about her decision to step down in 2012, she said: “I really learned a lot about myself.” I had a goal.
“And I just felt like I needed to work more on my acting, more on my singing, more on my dancing, my everything. I just have to get better in every way.'