Amid Katy Perry’s exit from American Idol after season 22, fans are confidently speculating about her replacement among the three judges. 

With Perry being the highest-paid judge at $25 million per season, viewers are eager to guess who will fill her shoes alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. A popular naмe surfacing in online speculation is Jennifer Lopez, who previously judged on the show in 2010. 

Fans express excitement about a potential return for Lopez, highlighting her past impactful role and suggesting that the network may have to shop around for a comparable talent given Perry’s hefty paycheck.

Reflecting on her initial stint on American Idol in her Netflix documentary, Halftime, Jennifer Lopez credits the show for providing a significant opportunity after the birth of her twins. 

At 42, she felt her career needed a boost, and American Idol offered her a platform to showcase her true self. 

While working on the show, Lopez learned valuable lessons about herself and expressed the need to improve in various aspects of her artistry.

Katy Perry’s departure from American Idol was announced earlier this week on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The multitalented artist had reportedly planned her exit since last year, citing issues with producers who she felt portrayed her negatively. Perry emphasized her love for the show but expressed a desire to step away and feel the pulse of America. Notably, she mentioned that the seventh season marked the exit of previous judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson.