Katy Perry became part of the early-aughts zeitgeist with her 2008 album One of the Boys. While hits like “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot N’ Cold” marked a notable shift from her contemporary Christian debut, they also solidified Perry’s place in the pop-star pantheon. Music took a backseat for the Grammy-nominated artist in 2018, when Perry joined Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the American Idol judging panel. Viewers grew to love her banter with her fellow judges as well as contestants. In May 2024, Perry exited the show after seven seasons to refocus on her music career. However, rumors are swirling that the “Woman’s World” hitmaker may be rethinking that decision.
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Is Katy Perry Returning to ‘American Idol?’
In September 2024, Katy Perry released 143, her first original album since 2020’s Smile. The lead single, “Woman’s World,” peaked at No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100—seemingly a far cry from Perry’s previous successes.
Now, a source is claiming to Life & Style that the “Teenage Dream” hitmaker is desperate to reclaim her spot at the judges’ table.
According to the unnamed source, Perry is “scrambling” to reclaim her “safe, steady gig” on American Idol. However, her chair has already been filled. Season 4 champion Carrie Underwood will return to Idol next year as a judge alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
“But Carrie’s got the gig now — and unless the new season is a ratings disaster, there’s no way Katy is getting back in that chair!” the source told Life & Style.
[RELATED: ‘American Idol’ Originally Wanted Miley Cyrus Before Carrie Underwood Stepped In: Report]
What to Expect From Carrie Underwood
Now that Katy Perry has exited American Idol, viewers will have to adjust to Carrie Underwood’s presence. And the “Blown Away” singer has already given Idol fans some idea of what to expect from her in the show’s 23rd season. “
“I think I can be honest and constructive but still kind,” Underwood said during an August interview. “And I think that’s the whole point, ’cause people are coming in and, you know, it’s dreams. And you’re a part of somebody’s story from that moment on. So I think it’s important to be honest, but I think it’s also very important to be kind, so hopefully, I can marry all of those together and be a good judge.”
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