Is Luke Bryan Coming Back To American Idol?
After seven seasons as a judge, Luke Bryan doesn’t know if he’ll be back on American Idol next year.
When Idol was rebooted in 2018, Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry were introduced as its new judges. The trio judged seven seasons together, watching artists such as Abi Carter and Iam Tongi claim the winning title.
Before Idol‘s 22nd season debuted this year, Perry announced it would be her last time serving as a judge. She received an emotional send-off during the season finale.
Since Perry’s departure, several artists, including Jon Bon Jovi, have been rumored to be her replacement. But Idol has yet to confirm who will take her place.
Idol also hasn’t confirmed if Bryan, Richie, or host Ryan Seacrest will return for the show’s 23rd season. During a recent interview with Billboard, Bryan shared he remains uncertain about his future on the show.
Disney Has Been “Tight-lipped” About Bryan & Richie’s Future On Idol
Idol is under the Disney umbrella, and Bryan says the company hasn’t told him about his future on the show.
“It’s been interesting,” Bryan told Billboard. “It’s been something Disney been really tight-lipped about with me and Lionel and Ryan. We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”
Bryan thinks the company wants to make certain they find the perfect replacement for Perry, which he says is no easy task:
“Katy was really perfect for that job, and I think they’re just working real hard to find somebody that can really come in and do the job that Katy did.”
Billboard contacted Idol’s representatives for comment, but they declined to offer one.
Bryan told the publication he’s heard P!nk, Miley Cyrus, and Meghan Trainor mentioned as people who could replace Perry on Idol. So if he and Richie do return for Season 23, they may serve as judges alongside one of them!