Katy Perry announced she’s leaving after American Idol season 22. Now there’s speculation that a pop superstar and former judge could return.

American Idol's Katy Perry, with Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey, surrounded by fire

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American Idol season 22 will be Katy Perry’s last, and now there are rumors that global pop star and former judge Jennifer Lopez will return to the show as her replacement. Katy joined in March 2018 when ABC revived the singing competition show. American Idol aired on FOX from June 11, 2002, to April 7, 2016, for 15 seasons. In its incredible run, the show has discovered superstars such as Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and Adam Lambert. For American Idol season 22, the show welcomes back host Ryan Seacrest, and judges Katy, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.

“People like nostalgia, and people like Jen. It would be a big get to get her back.”

According to the Daily Mail, American Idol insiders claim the show hopes that Jennifer will return as a judge to take Katy’s place on the judging panel. In addition, there are rumors that the showrunners could consider replacing Lionel and Luke as well, to shake things up completely. A source told the Daily Mail, “A return from the past is on the cards. J.Lo will be asked to come back. When people come back, things work…people like nostalgia, and people like Jen. It would be a big get to get her back.”

American Idol Is Also Considering Hiring Taylor Swift

Taylor-Swift-from-The-Eras-Tour

“[Taylor Swift] will be offered the job. That is a long shot.”

The American Idol insider also claimed that the producers want to recruit some younger stars in order to bring a new demographic to the show. In addition to Jennifer, they are considering hiring global music superstar Taylor Swift. The source said, “She will be offered the job. That is a long shot.” They added, “They would consider changing the entire panel if need be, even though they love Lionel and Luke.” The source revealed that Ryan has told the producers to hire a judge who’s “out of the box if they do a complete overhaul.” The source also shared that the producers think some “big name stars” will want the job, and “everyone will be considered.”

Jennifer Lopez was one of the most belovedAmerican Idol judges. She served as a judge during American Idol seasons 10, 11, 13, 14, and 15 (the final FOX season), during which she helped discover winners Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Caleb Johnson, Nick Fradiani, and Trent Harmon, as well as season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina, and contestants Haley Reinhart and Pia Toscano. Jennifer was a fantastic judge and mentor, and it would be wonderful to see her back on the judging panel.

Although Katy, Luke, and Lionel have a terrific rapport as American Idol judges, when Katy leaves, it’ll be the perfect time for an overhaul of the show. After seven seasons with the same judging panel, perhaps the show does need some new blood. Even though it’s a long shot, having Taylor as a judge could definitely breathe some new life into the show.

Also, bringing Jennifer back will bring a sense of nostalgia for the old days of American Idol. There are many fabulous choices to add to the show, but Katy is truly irreplaceable. She brings humor, compassion, and love to American Idol, and she’ll be very missed.