Ryan Seacrest Keeps Quiet About Katy Perry's Exit
Hey there, friends! If you're wondering what’s next for American Idol after Katy Perry's departure, well, Ryan Seacrest isn't giving much away. When E! News asked the 49-year-old host if he knows who will replace Katy for season 23, Ryan played it coy, saying, "Maybe, maybe not." But don’t worry, he did drop a hint: he fully agrees with Katy’s earlier suggestion that season 22 mentor Jelly Roll would be an excellent choice.
Jelly Roll: A Natural Fit for American Idol?
Let’s talk about Jelly Roll, shall we? Ryan had nothing but praise for the country star. "You simply cannot take your eyes off Jelly Roll," Ryan said. "And his voice? You can't ignore that either. He’s charming, he’s a powerhouse in the music world, and he truly brought the best out of the contestants this season." Jelly Roll left a mark that’s hard to forget, and it seems like Ryan is on board with the idea of him joining the judging panel.
Katy Perry's Heartfelt Farewell
Back in February, Katy Perry announced that she'd be stepping away from American Idol after seven incredible seasons as a judge. "I love this show so much," she said. "It’s really connected me with the heart of America. But I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own rhythm." Katy expanded on her decision in April, explaining to Entertainment Tonight, "I’m just trying to make space for other things. It’s not like ending this show means I’m going to retire on some remote island—though that would be nice. I’m gonna go work." And work she will! Fans are eagerly waiting for her new music since her last album dropped in 2020.
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What About Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie?
As for the other judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, they haven’t spilled the beans yet about their plans for the future of American Idol. But Katy has already made it clear who she thinks would be a fantastic addition once she leaves: Jelly Roll. "I was convinced by anything he said," Katy gushed in a previous interview with E! News. "He could run for president. He could be my pastor. I might even go back to church for him. He could sell me anything." That’s some high praise, right there!
Jelly Roll's Excited Response
Jelly Roll seems pretty jazzed about the possibility of joining the panel. "Consider it? I’ve already accepted the job, and they haven’t even offered it!" he joked during an interview with Audacy. "Katy is such a cool person. When we were talking backstage the other day, just the two of us—and my wife, of course—she told me this. She says, 'You need to replace me.' I love people who are the same way publicly as they are privately. Some people will tell you how great you are behind closed doors but won’t promote your album. Not Katy. In her very first interview after announcing her departure, she brought me up. I’m like, 'I love you, Katy!'"
So there you have it! The season 22 finale of American Idol airs on May 19 at 8 p.m. ET. Will Jelly Roll officially join the team? Only time will tell.
