Here’s Why ABC Picked Katy Perry as an ‘American Idol’ Judge

Katy Perry was one of the first judges confirmed for the return of American Idol, and now the network has spoken about why they chose her.

As reported by EW, ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey opened up about Perry being brought in as a judge, saying, “We hit the jackpot with Katy. She is a songwriter, and to have someone like her on the panel is fantastic.”

She then added, “This is a business. We need to make sure we make the right decision so the show can be financially viable, so it will have a place on ABC for years to come.”

Additionally, FremantleMedia Group CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz spoke to reporters, revealing that American Idol is “not more expensive than its competitors,” in regards to Perry’s rumored $25 million payday for the gig.

He continued, “ABC wouldn’t order something that didn’t work for them financially. Katy is in a transition in terms of her own career. It has been shown now what these platforms can do for artists.”

Lastly, Frot-Coutaz saidm “It has been beneficial to other people, whether it’s on Idol or The Voice. But I think she genuinely cares. She auditioned when she was a guest judge on Idol in 2010 and then on the [U.K.] X-Factor. She’s brilliant.”

In a twist that might have people scratching their heads, producers are reportedly attempting to secure 80s metal icon Nikki Sixx as a judge on the American Idol reboot.

According to The Daily Mail, the producers are close to a deal that would bring the Mötley Crüe founding member and bass player to the judge’s panel for an undisclosed amount of money.

While the exact number was not given, it’s supposedly slightly less than what Lionel Richie is reportedly being paid, and that number is said to be somewhere between $3 to $5 million.