American Idol enthusiasts are firmly convinced they’ve identified the potential replacement for Katy Perry on the judging panel following her departure from the show after season 22.

After the 39-year-old singer announced her exit from ABC’s popular singing competition series on Monday, speculation surged on social media regarding which celebrity will join Lionel Richie, 74, and Luke Bryan, 47, on the judging panel.

Given Perry’s status as the highest-paid American Idol judge, earning a reported salary of $25 million according to Celebrity Net Worth, the network faces the challenge of enticing a performer of equal caliber or an even bigger household 𝚗ame.

As fans speculate about the next entertainer to take on the coveted role previously held by Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, and Keith Urban, one name has gained considerable traction online: Jennifer Lopez, who first served as a judge on American Idol in 2010.

‘I feel like we gotta get back JLo – she’s less kooky and gave great advice,’ one user wrote, while another cautioned to watch out for ‘Jennifer Lopez’s return.’

A third commenter expressed curiosity about who American Idol would recruit to replace Katy, considering her substantial paycheck of $25 million per season.

For Lopez, her tenure on the show marked her ‘first big job’ after giving birth to her twins Emme and Max, who turn 16 later this month. Reflecting on her time on American Idol in her Netflix documentary, Halftime, Lopez credited the show for reacquainting her with the entertainment world after becoming a mother.

‘At 42, movie roles were not knocking down my door. As I was getting back to work, I really felt like I didn’t know what my value was anymore. I was doing American Idol. That was the first big job I did after I had the babies,’ Lopez, 54, revealed.

She added, ‘And it was good for me at that time. People could see me for who I was and that changed everything.’

However, Perry’s departure from American Idol was announced earlier this week during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Allegedly planning her exit since last year, Perry felt she was consistently portrayed as the ‘nasty judge’ due to editing by producers.

‘I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mea𝚗, I love Idol so much,’ Perry disclosed on the late-night show.

She elaborated, ‘It’s connected me with, like, the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse.’

Perry also noted the tradition of former judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson leaving after seven seasons, making her exit feel timely.