American Idol bosses are “pushing for Miley Cyrus to replace Katy Perry” but senior figures “worry she’s too risqué” for the family show.
The Teenage Dream singer announced her shock exit from the popular ABC show week.
The 39-year-old confirmed she will be leaving a slot open for a new star to join the judging panel alongside regulars Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Producers are now on the hunt for a replacement, with some hoping to get Jennifer Lopez back on the show, while others are eyeing up Miley.
Miley has sparked some controversy over the years from her twerking performance with Robin Thicke in 2013 to being pictured smoking a bong.
According to The US Sun, some senior TV executives at the network are concerned the singer is “too risqué” for the family-friendly show.
A source told the outlet: “Names like Jennifer Lopez and Shania Twain… are in the frame because they have worked on the show before and are ‘safe’ faces, but there is a push for Miley.”
“She is a younger star with an audience that has grown up with her as Hannah Montana and is a celebrated pop star in her own right.”
“Some senior figures at ABC have concerns about the risqué and open nature of Miley saying or doing something which is not necessarily family-friendly.”
A source told the DailyMail that a famous face could be returning to the show.
“A return from the past is on the cards, J.Lo will be asked to come back. When people come back, things work… people like nostalgia, and people like Jen. It would be a big get to get her back.”
The 54-year-old made her judging debut in 2011 when she appeared in season 10.
She reprised her role for seasons 11, 13, 14 and 15 – garnering great feedback from fans during her run.
But the insider has also claimed that producers are exploring other avenues and are hoping to recruit younger names to draw in a new demographic by bringing in Taylor Swift.
“The show could also go younger and have a younger voice in the mix because if they keep Luke and Lionel, they want someone who is a bit of a firecracker,” the source added.
