American Idol‘s 22nd season came to an end just over a month ago. The finale also marked the end of a 7-year judging run for pop star Katy Perry.
Katy Perry first announced her exit from American Idol in February during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
“This fall, in September, I’m going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rockin’ Rio,” Perry told the host when asked how long she would be judging Idol. “I think this will probably be my last season for Idol. I mean, I love the show so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.”
Speculation about Perry’s replacement has been swirling in the months since her announcement. While many names are rumored to be in the running to replace the star, Perry’s fellow judge Luke Bryan recently shared three names that he says have been “in the talks” for the coveted seat at the judges’ table.
In a new interview with Billboard, Luke Bryan shared that Pink!, Miley Cyrus, and Meghan Trainor have been in talks to join the show.
Cyrus, who served as a coach on The Voice, has remained mum about her interest in the American Idol gig. Pink! didn’t seem particularly interested in being a judge, having told Entertainment Tonight that she doesn’t “like hurting people’s feelings” and enjoys her “day job.”
Meghan Trainor, however, made it clear that it would be a dream come true for her. In an interview with Andy Cohen, Trainor said, “I’ve done every interview in the world and said that that is my dream job, and I have emailed three awesome people who work in that world who don’t really have the final say … but I have begged for this job … it’s my favorite show — I’ve watched it since I was a child.”
Idol typically announces the judging lineup in July, prior to auditions for the upcoming season. So fans likely won’t have to wait long to find out who will be Katy Perry’s replacement.