Kelly Clarkson will serve as a guest judge on the farewell ‘American Idol‘ season. Yes, she’s indeed saying farewell to American Idol in the best way possible. America’s first Idol will soon return to where it all started for her.
The pregnant pop star is returning to the show that made her a household name. Kelly will sit alongside Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban as a guest judge on the first live show of the 15th and final season.
This was the revelation by executive producer Trish Kinane on Friday at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.
“We’ve invited her to be part of this season and she’s really happy to be,” Kinane shared. “She will be a guest judge on our first live top 10 show and she’ll also perform.”
But Clarkson isn’t the only familiar face fans of the series will be seeing this season. “We’re talking to everybody who’s made a huge contribution to the show, and we’d love to have them come back,” Kinane added. That includes former Idol winners and finalists, who will not only work with the current contestants in the middle rounds of this season, but will also duet with them.
Simon Cowell, who is judging on the upcoming season of America’s Got Talent, will be the most difficult person to work out, but Kinane confirms that he’ll likely be back for the finale.
“Yes, I appreciate Simon’s part in the history of the show and it’s a very important part,” she said, adding, “I think the most we can expect is for Simon to be at the finale.”
Teased host extraordinaire Ryan Seacrest, “Simon’s hung up on his lighting. We did speak and I think you’ll see the original faces back on the show before it’s over.”
“So when you got a franchise with this heritage, and you’ve got a franchise watched by X-amount of millions of people, that sustains. Does that mean it’s the end? I’m not so sure.”
