Katy Perry has only one more episode of American Idol left before she exits to focus on her music career, and Ryan Seacrest just gave a teaser for what fans can expect during the finale. Earlier this year, Katy announced that she would be leaving the long-running singing competition series at the conclusion of American Idol season 22. This means producers will need to find a new American Idol judge for the first time since the show was revived by ABC. Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan have been sitting on either side of Katy for the past seven years.
The upcoming three-hour American Idol season 22 finale will be jam-packed with multiple performances by Top 3 finalists Abi Carter, Jack Blocker and Will Moseley, as well as guest performances to fill in the time until a winner is announced. There will also be time spent saying goodbye to Katy, according to Ryan, who spoke with ET at the ABC Upfronts. Not only will Katy be performing during the finale, but “we’re gonna celebrate her all night. Then afterwards, I eat fish and vegetables–so she’s taking us for steak…It’s a celebratory night.”
There have been endless rumors and speculation for the past several months over who will take Katy’s place on American Idol. One of the names being talked about is Meghan Trainor, who served as a guest mentor during Billboard No. 1 Hits night. Ryan had nothing but great things to say about Meghan, adding, “She was very good. Meghan is a super talent too, and she’s got a great sense of humor. She’s fun and spontaneous.”
There’s only one aspect of American Idol season 23 that’s currently known: Katy will not be a judge. Outside of that, everything else has yet to be announced, including the judging panel. Ryan is spot-on with his assessment of Meghan. Aside from Idol, she also appeared as an advisor for Chance The Rapper’s group of contestants on The Voice. These appearances are obviously a way to promote her upcoming album Timeless, but it also appears to be Meghan’s way of signaling she’s very interested in joining one of these singing competition shows.
Appearing as a mentor on both Idol and The Voice just days apart from each other doesn’t seem like a coincidence. She has a very fun personality that would make for a great judge or coach. The Voice season 26 coaches for fall 2024 have already been announced, but there’s always 2025. Meghan hasn’t publicly reacted to all the speculation yet, but if she can work one of these shows into her schedule amid an upcoming tour, then ABC or NBC should consider hiring her.
Source: ET