American Idol fans can relax, Bon Jovi isn’t taking Katy Perry’s judging spot

Jon Bon Jovi Says He Was 'Never Any of the Clichés of Rock Stardom'

Legends in the music game have often left their microphones behind and opted for a seat on a talent show judging panel. American Idol sees Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan as judges these days. But, with Katy making an exit, fans are speculating best-selling band frontman Bon Jovi is set to appear on American Idol in her place.

While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel earlier this year, Katy Perry revealed her time on American Idol is coming to an end. Season 22 will be her big finale after being a judge for six years. Since her announcement, some big names in the music world have expressed they’d love to fill her shoes.

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Bon Jovi’s American Idol appearance

Jon Bon Jovi is no stranger to taking to the talent show stage.

The 62-year-old performed in the early days of Idol and on the UK’s X Factor.

Now, Bon Jovi is back for another performance, and he’s also a guest mentor during the show’s final.

Wynonna Judd, Cody Johnson, Hootie and the Blowfish, New Kids on the Block, and Nick Fradiani are also all appearing as performers during the show’s season 22 finale.

American Idol fans speculate

As fans eagerly anticipate the results of whether Abi Carter, Jack Blocker, or Will Moseley is this year’s American Idol winner, some are speculating who the show’s new judge will be.

Fantasia expressed how she’d love the role, while fans speculate Bon Jovi is headed for the judging panel.

One fan took to X (Twitter) to ask the show to “do better” upon hearing the Bon Jovi rumors: “I just heard that Bon Jovi is the new #AmericanIdol judge…? I have never been more of a Katy Perry stan than I am right now in this moment… Do better American Idol.. do better. NEXT JUDGE.”

With 130 million record sales under his belt, and 15 studio albums released, it seems Bon Jovi would qualify to be an Idol judge.

But, he’s only appearing as a guest mentor and performer in season 22.

Many fans are calling for the older style of judge to return. People behind the music, rather than actual singers, such as Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, are more fans’ forté, per a Reddit thread.

Many are demanding “honesty” from the current judges as they seem to have lost their savage edge these days.