American Idol producers are hoping to get Jennifer Lopez back on the panel, according to show insiders, who claim bosses could consider shaking up the entire panel after Katy Perry announced her shock departure this week.
Fans were left stunned after the 39-year-old pop star confirmed she was stepping down from the hit ABC show on Monday, leaving a spot open for a new one. star to join regulars Lionel Richie74, and Luke Bryan47.
“A return from the past is in the offing,” a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. “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 task to get her back.”
Lopez, 54, made her judging debut on season 10 in 2011. She returned to the role for seasons 11, 13, 14 and 15 and enjoyed great fan feedback during her run.
American Idol producers are hoping to get Jennifer Lopez back on the judging panel, a source told DailyMail.com (pictured in 2012)
Katy Perry announced her shock departure this week, confirming the current series of the competition show will be her last – pictured with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan
But the insider claimed that producers are also considering other options, including recruiting younger names to attract a new audience – and even Taylor Swift.
“The show could also go younger and have a younger voice in the mix because if they keep Luke and Lionel, they want someone who is a bit of a firecracker,” they continued.
“They would consider changing the entire panel if necessary, even if they love Lionel and Luke.”
The pair have both been jury members since the revival in 2018.
“Show host Ryan (Seacrest) has told the higher-ups to go with someone who is out-of-the-box when they do a complete overhaul,” the source continued. “Nobody thought Steven Tyler was going to be what he was and he was a nice choice.
“Right now, all options are on the table, it will take a few months to get the full details and a replacement, but Ryan is making them think outside the box.”
The source also claimed that bosses expect big names to throw their names in the ring, adding: ‘There are a lot of people who want this job, everyone will be considered, and they have a lot of time to find out.
“They’re going to enjoy the ride and honor Katy’s last year and announce her replacement around the finale or when they get the official green light for a return next season.”
Producers aren’t afraid to take shots at the stars, as the source stated they would even make an offer to Swift, 34.
“She will be offered the job,” they said. ‘That’s a long shot.
Producers are reportedly keen to bring back a familiar face – and Lopez is the top choice – pictured in 2015 alongside Keith Urban on the panel
Lopez, 54, pictured with Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Steven Tyler in a promotional image for season 11 in 2012
“They just think about what the best-case scenario would be, which is to get the biggest star in the world. But they’re not holding their breath when they get Taylor.”
Perry revealed Monday during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live that she had quit American Idol.
The multihyphenate had reportedly been plotting her exit from the show since last year, when it was revealed that she repeatedly felt “thrown under the bus by producers” who she believed were purposefully editing her to look like the “annoying judge.”
“I think this will probably be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean, I love Idol so much,” she revealed on the late night show.
“It’s connected me to, like, the heart of America, but I feel like I have to go outside to feel that heartbeat.”
The Grammy nominee pointed out that this was her seventh season, and former judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson all left after seven seasons as well.
Show bosses feel no ill will towards Perry over her decision to step back after seven seasons, with the insider adding: ‘ABC and Idol producers are fine with Katy Perry making this her swan song on the show.
“They knew it was coming and the fact that she would discuss it on another ABC show a few days before the start of the season was no surprise.”
The source continued, “They are going to enjoy this season with Katy and she will always be welcome.”
In fact, her decision to quit is seen as a major turning point for the series, as there is hope it could reignite interest.
Lopez appeared in five seasons of the show before it was canceled in 2016
Bosses are reportedly going to reach out to Taylor Swift, but know it’s a ‘long shot’
The insider explained: “It gives the show new life because there will be talk this whole season about who her replacement will be, if they will do a complete overhaul and the show will be in the news all the time, which is great for ratings.
‘Then there is talk about next season, because that is all new. Look what The Voice does all the time.”
Considering Perry is currently the highest-paid judge with a reported salary of $25 million, the network will certainly need a big check to pursue an artist of the same caliber, or an even bigger household name, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Lopez, who is gearing up for the release of her ninth studio album this week, has already gained popularity online, with fans convinced she will make a grand return.
The Jenny From the Block singer enjoyed a total of five seasons. She briefly quit in 2012 before returning in 2014, and was there for the final series before it was canceled in 2016.
She previously spoke about her decision to step down in 2012, saying: “I really learned a lot about myself. I had a goal.
“And I just felt like I needed to work more on my acting, more on my singing, more on my dancing, on my everything. I just have to be better in every way.”