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American Idol fans are looking forward to seeing Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood join the show as a judge following Katy Perry’s departure. According to one report, however, Perry may be looking to come back to the show following her recent album release. The pop singer made her final appearance as a judge during the American Idol Season 22 finale on May 19, 2024.

Underwood was announced as the music competition’s new judge in August. She replaces Perry, who served as a judge for seven seasons, beginning with Season 16.

In a February 2024 interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, ahead of the Season 22 premiere, Perry announced her plan to leave the show. “I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol,” she said. “I love Idol 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.”

“I love the show so much, but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music,” she explained.

Perry also weighed in about the possibility of her returning to Idol. “Maybe I’ll come back if they have me one day,” she said.

Kimmel joked, “I’m sure they’ll be very happy to have you and if, you know, it turns out you want to come back, I’m sure they’ll fire whoever replaces you.”

The pop star also shared her thoughts about how her co-judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, might react to the news. “They know I have some things planned for this year… I’m creating space for my new wingspan,” Perry said. “I love them so much… They figured. I’ve been in the studio for a while, so they figured something is up.”

Is Perry looking to return to the show? According to a report from Life & Style, one insider said the pop star might want a seat at the American Idol judges’ table yet again. They noted that Perry’s latest album, titled 143, underperformed.

“American Idol was a safe, steady gig for Katy,” the source noted. “Now that her album has flopped, she’s scrambling to reclaim her spot at the judges’ table. It’s a clear sign even she knows her days as a chart topping artist are behind her.”

They added, “But Carrie’s got the gig now — and unless the new season is a ratings disaster, there’s no way Katy is getting back in that chair!”

During an August 2024 interview with Sirius XM’s Music Row Happy Hour, Underwood shared her excitement about her upcoming Idol gig. “I like to think that I am versatile, and hopefully, when I listen to people come in and audition, I can have any lens I need to put on,” she said.

The singer added, “I think I can be honest and constructive but still kind. And I think that’s the whole point, ’cause people are coming in and, you know, it’s dreams. And you’re a part of somebody’s story from that moment on. So I think it’s important to be honest, but I think it’s also very important to be kind, so hopefully, I can marry all of those together and be a good judge.”