Former American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez has said that she doesn't have the time to replace Katy Perry during American Idol season 23, but, now that she's canceled her "This Is Me… Live" summer tour, I'm convinced that she might change her mind and return to the reality singing competition series. Jennifer previously served as a judge during American Idol seasons 10, 11, 13, 14, and 15 (the final FOX season). She helped discover winners Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Caleb Johnson, Nick Fradiani, and Trent Harmon.
During her time on American Idol, Jennifer was a beloved judge. She was a cheerleader for the contestants, but she also gave them honest but gentle criticism when it was needed. While it's going to be a challenge for American Idol season 23 to replace Katy, I think Jennifer would be the perfect person to join judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Here's why I think there's a good chance that Jennifer might now return to the American Idol judging table.
Jennifer Lopez Canceled Her "This Is Me… Live" Summer Tour
Jennifer Previously Cited The Tour As One Of The Reasons She Couldn't Return To American Idol
On May 31, it was announced that Jennifer's "This Is Me… Live" summer tour was canceled. Live Nation confirmed the cancelation to the Associated Press, stating "Jennifer is taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends." In addition, Jennifer released a statement of her own on her OntheJLo website, explaining the reason behind the cancelation. She wrote, "I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary." She added, "I promise I will make it up to you and we will all be together again. I love you all so much. Until next time…"
The "This Is Me… Live" tour would've been Jennifer's first in five years. It was going to be in support of her first solo album in ten years, "This Is Me… Now," and its companion film. Rumor has it that poor ticket sales and an impending breakup with her husband of two years, Ben Affleck, might have contributed to the tour's cancelation. This would explain why she needs to spend time with her loved ones.
In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, shared via YouTube, Jennifer revealed that she didn't have the time to return for American Idol season 23 because of her tour and another film that she was doing. She added, "Not this year. Maybe next year." She said, "I don't know … I really feel like I did it, and it was a great time in my life." Jennifer shared that American Idol was her first job when she went back to work after she had her babies, who were 3 years old when she appeared on the show, and they're now 16 years old.
American Idol Could Be The Perfect Job For Jennifer Right Now
Jennifer Seems To Need Stability In Her Life
I believe that American Idol could be the perfect next step for Jennifer now that she's canceled her tour. While she needs some time off, I think that American Idol could ease her back into work when she's ready, just like it did when she returned to work after her children were born. It would be like going home for her, which would make her feel comfortable in what is obviously a hard time for her. Whether she's about to announce a split from Ben or some other issue is happening in her life, American Idol could provide some stability for her, and also bring her some joy.
Jennifer said that American Idol was a great time in her life, so I think it could be good for her to return to it. I'm convinced that she might take Katy's place at the American Idol season 23 judging table, especially since she said that she'd be open to it next year, after her tour. I hope that Jennifer is okay, and that she'll triumphantly come through whatever challenges she's facing right now. She's obviously heartbroken about having to cancel the tour, but she loves her fans, and we love her too. We'll welcome her back with open arms when the time comes. Now that she's canceled her tour, Jennifer really might return to American Idol, and I can't wait to see it happen.
Sources: Associated Press, OntheJLo, Jimmy Kimmel Live!/YouTube
