Kelly Clarkson confirms she won’t be joining ‘American Idol’ after Katy Perry exit: ‘I can’t’

Although Kelly Clarkson is the original “American Idol,” she has no plans to join the judges’ panel anytime soon.

At the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday, Clarkson, who won the first season of the singing competition in 2002, addressed the possibility of replacing judge Katy Perry on the ABC show.

“No, I can’t do that because I promised my kids I’d be there for them as much as possible,” Clarkson told Entertainment Tonight. “Taking that role would mean moving to LA, which is why I had to leave ‘The Voice.’ I love that team and miss them a lot.”

Clarkson, who recently moved “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to New York City, told USA TODAY in October 2023 that she decided to leave NBC’s “The Voice” after its 23rd season to avoid spreading herself too thin.

“I’ve learned a lot about my limits and what I shouldn’t take on,” Clarkson said. “That led to my decision to leave ‘The Voice’ and make this big move. I love that team, but I was struggling. I couldn’t keep smiling; I just didn’t feel like it anymore.”

Speaking to ET over the weekend, Clarkson emphasized the importance of work-life balance for her family.

“I wanted a life for us. And we enjoy the park every day and we enjoy each other,” Clarkson said. “As a parent — people get this — you only get so much time until they don’t want to hang out with you. That’s the reason I can’t do ‘Idol.’ It’s my kiddos.”

As for replacing Perry, who left “American Idol” after Season 22 to travel and create new music, co-judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan have suggested potential candidates like Meghan Trainor and Jelly Roll. However, no one has been officially chosen yet.

Richie and Bryan have specific qualities in mind for Perry’s replacement. Richie emphasized the need for confidence and cultural relevance, saying, “There are a lot of artists out there that can sing, but to join a very successful team, you’ve got to be confident in your space. You know who you are, and you’ll last forever here.”

Perry, discussing her successor, said, “The qualities I hope for are someone that is honest. Someone that is constructive with their words. Someone that is leading with their heart — heart-centered and less ego — and isn’t afraid to speak their mind. Someone who isn’t afraid of negative comments or getting booed, as long as they are true to themselves.”