Who will replace Katy Perry as 'American Idol' judge? Nashville's Jelly Roll among the fan favorites

Sunday's episode of "American Idol" brought not only an end to the season, it was also the end of Katy Perry's tenure as a judge on the show.

After seven years of judging the talent of singers all across the United States, Perry made the decision to part ways with the singing competition. In her last episode of "Idol", Perry — in all of her quirkiness and her penchant for grandiose when it comes to her shows— had a larger than life blow out for the show that will hold a "pizza" her heart.

She finished her time on the show with a duet of "What Makes A Woman" with third-place finisher Jack Blocker. Her Larger than life dress unfurled into a sentimental piece of art while she was elevated at least a dozen feet above the stage. Below a metallic bodice was a skirt featuring the faces of Top 24 contestants from her seven-season "Idol" career, reported USA TODAY.

The big question now is, who will replace her?

Why did Katy Perry leave 'American Idol'?

In February, Perry revealed that this would be her last season on the show during a "Jimmy Kimmel Live" episode.

Her reason? She's finding her "beat" again.

“I love the show so much, but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music,” Perry told Kimmel during the interview.

“It’s going to be a very, very exciting year for all pop star girlies,” she continued. “Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan.”

Who will replace Katy Perry on 'American Idol'? Will it be Jelly Roll?

Names of replacements for the seven season judge have been thrown out by fans as well as other judges and even Ryan Seacrest. One of the biggest names for a replacement is Nashville's own, Jelly Roll.

The singer and rapper, has made the rounds on singing competitions like "American Idol" and "The Voice" as a performer for the end of the seasons, but his role on "Idol" in 2024 put him in the mentor roll that has people wondering if he should be the one to take over for Perry next season. Even Perry herself is convinced that Jelly Roll would be an excellent replacement.

"I gotta say, Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show," she said to E! News in an interview last week. "I was convinced of anything he said. He could run for president. He could be my pastor. I might go back to church for him. He could sell me anything."

Jelly Roll seems pretty keen on the idea too.

"I could get used to doing this. #americanidol #jellytime," Jelly Roll wrote on social media after his stint as a guest mentor on "American Idol" at the beginning of April.

Fans praised his work on the show and his ability to spot talent and also encourage contestants.

Jelly Roll isn't the only name that has been thrown out.

Luke Bryan, fellow "Idol" judge, suggested that Megan Trainor might also be a good fit for the job.

"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.

"Meghan is a super talent too, and she's got a great sense of humor. She's fun and she's spontaneous," "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest added.

While Jelly Roll and Trainor are the two names that have been talked about the most, there has been no announcement of who will join Bryan and Lionel Richie on the U.S. tour to find next season's "American Idol".

Watch: Katy Perry celebration on 'American Idol'

The show celebrated Perry, who munched on a slice of pizza during some of the show, with some of the top singers showcasing her music.

"It's been 7 years of friendship, laughs, glam, and tears. We love you, Katy, thanks for being such an iconic part of our American Idol history! No regrets, just love! Our Top 12 Gurls take on some of Katy Perry's greatest hits at the 2024 American Idol Grand Finale," read a YouTube post on "American Idol's" page on May 20.

Who won 'American Idol' last night?

And your next "American Idol" is.... Abi Carter.

The 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, won the popular vote to become the Season 22 champion during Sunday night's finale.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who will replace Katy Perry on 'American Idol'? Jelly Roll a fan fave