Katy Perry Promises to be ‘More Simon Cowell’ on ‘American Idol’ Reboot

Tatiana Cirisano
·2 min read
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The list of rumored judges for the 2018 American Idol reboot on ABC includes everyone from Keith Urban to Charlie Puth, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. But if it were up to confirmed judge Katy Perry, it would be Richie taking the next judge seat.

Perry revealed this and other Idol deets during an interview on Wednesday (Aug. 23) with Ryan Seacrest's morning radio show, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest."

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"I’m really pulling for Lionel, because I think Lionel is an icon," the Witness singer said of the "All Night Long" singer currently co-headlining a tour with Mariah Carey. "And not only that, if you’ve ever seen or met Lionel, he just knows how to charm the whole room, and he’s such an artisan with words. His whole presences just brightens the whole room."

But she also wouldn't mind someone like Puth, the 25-year-old "Attention" singer and producer: "Between Lionel and me, it would be nice to have someone a little more fresh," Perry added.

The pop star went on to offer advice for contestants, revealing that it would be "advantageous" to audition with one of her songs. "Especially if they play something like 'Fireworks,' because I have to like, squeeze both of my butt-cheeks to hit all those notes," she joked. But don't expect Perry to go easy on contestants either way.

"I’m going to maybe be more the Simon Cowell,” Perry added, referencing the legendary former judge known for his acerbic put-downs and harsh commentary. “I really respect him. As much as people said, ‘oh, he’s grumpy or he’s mean,’ he was just truthful, you know?… I don’t need to be there to win the popular race, I just need to be there to find someone I can make their dreams come true." No other judges have been announced to date for the ABC re-boot of the singing competition.

Listen to the full interview below. Idol reboot drama aside, Perry also talks about delaying her Witness tour, her upcoming hosting gig at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards (where she'll also perform) and how her Calvin Harris collab "Feels" came together after the two met at the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

 

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