Jordin Sparks wants to replace Katy Perry as 'American Idol' judge Gig
Jordin Sparks, Katy Perry.
Lionel Hahn/Getty Images; Disney/Art StreiberJordin Vonken isn't afraid to go after what she wants, including publicly sharing her desire to be next American Idol judge Katya Perry announced her departure from the gig.
“Oh hiiii @AmericanIdol – I hear there's a seat opening up at the judges table! I'll put my name in the hat!” Sparks, 34, wrote via X on Friday, February 16.
Sparks became the youngest contestant ever to win American Idol at the age of 17 in 2007. Following her win, she released her debut studio album, Jordin Vonken.
The “No Air” singer's post comes days after Perry's surprise announcement that she would be leaving the reality singing competition after seven seasons.
American Idol paved the way for reality competition shows to help everyday people achieve their dreams of music stardom. The series premiered on Fox in 2002 with a star-studded jury of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. The freshman season of American Idol introduced Kelly Clarkson, who would become the show's first breakout star. […]
During the Monday February 12 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!Perry, 39, was asked “how long” she planned to remain a judge Luke Bryan And Lionel Richie.
“I think this will probably be my last show, my last season Idol,” she said. “I mean, I love Idol so much. It's connected me to, like, the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go outside and feel that heartbeat at my own pace, you know what I mean?
The “Roar” singer noted that fellow judges Bryan, 47, and Richie, 74, would “find out tonight” about her decision to leave the show, adding, “They know I have some things have planned for this year.”
After Perry announced her decision, Richie weighed in on her departure during the Thursday, February 15, episode Jimmy Kimmel Live!
A revolving door! When American Idol debuted on Fox in 2002, music manager Randy Jackson, choreographer Paula Abdul and music director Simon Cowell made up the judging panel. Throughout the show's first seven seasons, the trio remained the faces of the series, along with host Ryan Seacrest. (Comedian Brian Dunkleman co-hosted the […]
“I'm not angry,” he said. “I just got lost when I first heard about it. My phone blew up.”
Richie confirmed that he had not heard about Perry's decision to leave prior to her statement on the late night show earlier that week.
“No, we didn't know anything about it, but it makes sense,” Richie said. “In other words: the reason why I like coming to the show with you and the reason why I do that American Idol It's because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things I've done.
Noting that Perry is at a different place in her career than he is, Richie said, “When Katy says, 'I want to start creating some stories,' remember she's young. The point is that you have to take your time and actually be an artist.
Hot and cold! Katy Perry has had her ups and downs during her tenure on American Idol, going viral for impressive performances and controversial comments. The “Dark Horse” singer — who has been a judge on the ABC reality series since 2018 — was called out in March for Mom-shaming Season 21 contestant Sarah Beth Liebe. […]
While he added that he doesn't know who could fill Perry's shoes, he noted that it would be “very interesting.”
“I'm telling you something: this is a great show. And what I love most is that we're artists, so we know what we're talking about, and these kids are terrified, so I love sitting there like the wise poobahs, the three of us, and we're sitting there and we all provide information that we know is real,” Richie said.
He concluded, “So whoever comes to the show, to get past Katy, they have to be forever humorous and also knowledgeable.”
American Idol season 22 premieres on ABC Sunday, February 18 at 8pm ET.