‘American Idol’ Zeros in on Ex-‘The Voice’ Coach as Top Pick To Replace Katy Perry

After seven seasons of banter and zany wardrobe choices, Katy Perry officially exited American Idol in May. Five months after the “Teenage Dream” singer announced her departure, viewers are still left wondering who will take over Perry’s chair come season 23. One previous American Idol winner has already said no, while another is quite eager. Miley Cyrus is one name that keeps popping up in discussions surrounding Perry’s replacement. Recent reports put the “Flowers” star at the front of the pack.

Is Miley Cyrus Replacing Katy Perry?

Miley Cyrus got her start at age 13 playing the title role in the Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana. The series quickly became one of the highest-ranking shows on basic cable, solidifying Miley’s status as a teen idol. By 16, she had already delivered four No. 1 albums. In February, she took home her first GRAMMY..

Lending credence to the theory that she’s first in line for Perry’s Idol throne, the 31-year-old Tennessee native has previously served as a coach on The Voice. Judge Luke Bryan has mentioned Miley Cyrus, along with Meghan Trainor and Pink, as “being in the talks” to join the Idol judging panel. However, a source recently told Life & Style that while she may be Idol’s “No. 1 choice,” money could be the main sticking point in locking down the “Can’t Be Tamed” singer.

According to the source, Perry negotiated an “enormous paycheck” that increased incrementally during her seven-season run on Idol. “Nobody expects Miley to do this cheaply, but nobody at the network wants to pay Katy prices for Katy’s replacement,” the source said.

Still, the anonymous source says that the pop star hasn’t yet ruled out becoming a judge on Idol. “Miley really does love the competition space,” the insider says. “She has a lot more fun judging and mentoring than she has in her various forays into acting as an adult. And she also knows her fans actually show up to watch her on these shows.”

[RELATED: 5 Katy Perry Replacements ‘American Idol’ Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan Have Publicly Addressed]

Who Else Is In The Running to be an ‘American Idol’ Judge?

If not Miley Cyrus, then who? Another GRAMMY-winning pop star, Meghan Trainor, has seized every available opportunity to campaign for her “ultimate bucket list dream job.” And season 22 guest mentor Jelly Roll has already accepted the job, despite it having not yet been offered.

(Image via John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock).