Katy Perry Wants Lizzo to Be ‘American Idol’ Judge, Shares Dream Collaboration with ‘Idol’ Winner

When it comes to the American Idol judges panel, Katy Perry is all about girl power.

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When asked who she would invite to join her, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as an Idol judge, Perry didn’t waste any time naming fellow pop superstar Lizzo, stopping short of issuing a formal invitation. “I would like, ‘Lizzo to come and join American Idol,‘” Perry said beaming while playing with puppies on BuzzFeed Celeb. She then jokingly referred to two of the dogs as “Luke” and “Lionel.”

“Lizzo, I’m asking you to join the panel. I’m feeling a little outnumbered on the testosterone. I could really use some bold, honest hot takes.”

Perry, Bryan and Richie have served as judges since Idol was re-launched in 2018 with season 16 on ABC after it previously ran for 15 seasons on Fox. Perry says that of all the Idol winners, she’d most want to collaborate with season four champion turned country superstar, Carrie Underwood.

“I haven’t done a [collaboration] with any female country stars yet,” Perry explains. “She’s queen of country, so that’s cool.”

The “Firework” singer co-wrote and is a featured guest on the title track of Thomas Rhett’s 2022 album, Where We Started. She also served as a duet partner to Kacey Musgraves on songs from both their catalogs for a 2014 episode of CMT Crossroads.

Idol wrapped up its 21st season on May 20 where Iam Tongi was named the winner. Megan Danielle was voted the runner-up and Colin Stough was in third place.

“I believe it’s written in the stars,” Perry told Tongi during a previous episode where she predicted him as the winner. “I don’t believe in coincidences. I know that you are Iam, but when I see your name I see, ‘Iam …the next American Idol.’”

Photo Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless

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