Adam Lambert Shakes Up ‘American Idol’: The Surprising Country Star Tapped to Replace Katy Perry

The iconic American Idol stage is set for a major shake-up as fans eagerly await the announcement of who will fill Katy Perry’s shoes at the judges’ table. Among the many voices weighing in on the potential replacement is Adam Lambert, the season eight runner-up, who has a surprising and thoughtful suggestion: country star LeAnn Rimes.

During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Lambert revealed his choice in response to a fan’s question. “I think LeAnn Rimes would be great,” Lambert shared. “I just worked with LeAnn Rimes down in Australia on The Voice and she’s so lovely, so down to Earth—very spiritual and deep, but great sense of humor. I think she’d be good on the show.”

While no official decision has been made yet, the conversation surrounding Perry’s replacement has been buzzing with excitement and speculation. It’s been only four months since Perry announced her departure after the 22nd season, and several celebrities have expressed interest in the coveted position.

Fantasia Barrino, the winner of American Idol’s third season, is one such contender. In an interview with ET in April, Barrino shared her enthusiasm for the role. “I think that those kids, when they’re coming into the game, they need somebody to come in and not only show them how to sing a song, but how to handle the business because it’s a lot,” the Color Purple actress and GRAMMY winner said. “Just having somebody to say, ‘Hey, make sure you have this, make sure you have that. OK, sing this song, sing that song.’ Getting to know them, their upbringing, what makes you want to sing, why do you love this, why do you want this? So I would love to do it. I would be up for it.”

Another strong contender is Meghan Trainor, who has openly expressed her desire to join the judges’ panel. During a June episode of Watch What Happens Live, Trainor told a fan caller, “I have done every interview in the world and said that that is my dream job.” She reiterated her interest in a conversation with ET, saying, “There’s nothing I want more in life than to be a judge on American Idol. That is my ultimate bucket list dream come true. Please, please consider me on your show. Please American Idol! Please! I’m ready.”

Trainor’s enthusiasm hasn’t gone unnoticed. Both judge Luke Bryan and host Ryan Seacrest have praised her potential as a replacement, especially after her stint as a guest mentor during the most recent season. “I think Meghan’s always been real fun. You know, that’s kinda been her brand, to have fun,” Bryan told ET. “[She’s] real witty, so certainly.” Seacrest added, “Meghan is a super talent, too, and she’s got a great sense of humor and she’s fun and she’s spontaneous. I love Meghan Trainor.”

One big name in music, however, is notably absent from the list of interested candidates: Kelly Clarkson. The inaugural season winner, who recently moved to New York City, has made it clear that her priorities lie elsewhere. “No. No. I can’t do that, only because I promised my kids. I was like, ‘I wanna be there as much as I possibly can,'” Clarkson told ET. “And it would put me in L.A., and that’s why I had to quit The Voice, which I love that team. And I miss them so much.”

As the anticipation builds, fans of American Idol can rest assured that the search for Perry’s replacement is in full swing, with some of the music industry’s most talented and passionate artists eager to take on the role. Whether it’s LeAnn Rimes, Fantasia Barrino, Meghan Trainor, or another surprise contender, the future of the judges’ table looks bright and promising.