Taste of Country Fans Pick Who Should Replace Katy Perry on ‘American Idol’

The next season of American Idol is going to look different. It's already been confirmed that Katy Perry will not be returning to the judges' table alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Whether or not Bryan and Richie return has not yet been confirmed, but for now it looks like they will be staying in their current positions. Host Ryan Seacrest is expected to return as well.

It's a bit of a shakeup, as the trio has been judging the show together since the show moved to ABC from its original home at FOX in 2018. The showrunners have not announced their plans for the 2025 season, but we took matters into our own hands and asked our readers who they think should replace Perry.

American Idol Fans Love Past Contestants

When browsing our Facebook poll, it became clear that our fans love the idea of bringing a former contestant back to judge the show. After all, who would know the show's process from a contestant's point of view better than someone who competed on the show?

Our readers were happy to throw out names like Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and the original winner of Season 1, Kelly Clarkson.

Related: Dolly Parton Reveals Why She Will Never Do American Idol

Taste of Country Readers Want to Keep American Idol in the Family

In addition to former contestants, many readers suggested bringing back a beloved judge from the past. Names like Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Paula Abdul were suggested. One person even said they want Simon Cowell back.

Our Taste of Country fans are also fans of the idea of promoting a mentor or guest performer to the judge's panel. Jelly Roll captured the heart of America this past season as a mentor, and viewers loved seeing Wynonna Judd on stage performing with Emmy Russell.

Of course, fans of Taste of Country are also on board with bringing in another country artist to fill the last seat at the judge's table.

Keep scrolling to see the top 10 choices to join American Idol, according to you.

Jess hosts the syndicated radio show, Taste of Country Weekend, which can be heard on country stations nationwide. Tune in for all of the best new country music, spotlights on new tracks and emerging artists, plus Double-Downs on all of your favorites. The weekend is always better with a little Taste of Country in it.