LET'S GET LOUD
American Idol fans predict beloved A-list pop star will replace Katy Perry after judge reveals she’s leaving show
The singer abruptly announced her exit after fans called for her to be fired last season
FANS have shared who they think will take Katy Perry's place on American Idol after announcing her departure.
The singer confirmed she will leave American Idol after seven seasons - blindsiding fans with the bombshell news on Monday night.
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Katy, 39, originally joined the singing competition series in 2018 when the show was revived on ABC for its 16th season.
The singer has lasted seven seasons since, starring alongside fellow music superstars Lionel Richie, 74, and Luke Bryan, 47.
Fans have since been discussing her exit, with some believing they know which potential star could take her place on the judges' panel.
POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT?
Some believe singer Jennifer Lopez, 54, could possibly be coming back to the show after a few years away.
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Jennifer was a judge for seasons 10 and 11 and later returned for seasons 13, 14, and 15.
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In an online thread, one fan commented, "Watch for Jennifer Lopez's return."
"I feel like we gotta get back JLo- she's less kooky and gave great advice," a second wrote.
J.Lo previously opened up about her time on Idol in her Netflix documentary, Halftime.
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The pop star explained the importance of the gig, especially since it came shortly after her divorce from Marc Anthony and after the birth of her twins, Emme and Max.
KATY'S ABRUPT EXIT
Katy dropped the bomb about leaving American Idol while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday night.
American Idol announces big cast shakeup for season 22 after fans call for judge Katy Perry to be ‘fired’
"This fall, in September, I'm going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio," she said without warning.
"So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol."
Katy will appear in Season 22, which premieres on Sunday, February 18 on ABC.
When the crowd gasped, Katy quickly added, "I mean, I love Idol so much.
"It's connected me with the heart of America, but I need to feel that pulse of my own beat."
When Kimmel asked what her fellow Idol judges thought of the move, Katy shocked fans further, admitting, “Well, they’ll find out tonight!”
ROUGH PATCH
Katy's time on Idol has not been smooth sailing, with many fans calling for her to be fired last year.
The star faced backlash when she was accused of behaving rudely toward contestant Wé Ani after Wé did not receive feedback from her on her performance.
Viewers also accused Katy of being "unprofessional" and "doing Wé dirty" by looking shocked when she made it through to the top 12.
She was also accused of "leaving out" fellow judge Lionel and for "talking over him."
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Idol has since announced a major cast shake-up for Season 22.
Singers Tori Kelly, 31, and Jelly Roll, 39, will now appear on the new season of the TV music competition as guest mentors.
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