American Idol alum Colin Stough advocates for this singer as Katy Perry's replacement

“To me, she has a different fame. She has true music fame, not like a TV fame or a publicity fame,” said Stough.

American Idol alum Colin Stough thinks Adele should replace Katy Perry on the judges panel.

“I’ve not always loved her music, but I’ve always respected her as a person for her work ethic. In this industry, you have to have a work ethic,” Stough exclusively told Us Weekly at CMA Fest on Saturday, June 8, referring to Adele.

“To me, she has a different fame. She has true music fame, not like a TV fame or a publicity fame or anything like that. [Fame] just comes from her music.”

Stough acknowledged that he has “never met” and she “seems amazing.” 

He continued, “She seems like she stands up for what she thinks and I love that about her. I’d love to meet her one day.”

Stough humorously mentioned his wish to engage in a detailed discussion with the renowned singer about why she would be an excellent fit for the role on the show following Katy Perry's departure. Perry, who announced her exit from the show on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February, left a vacancy that Stough believes Adele could fill admirably.

Stough was the second runner-up in season 21 of American Idol, premiered in February 2023. Since his time on the reality singing competition, Stough said that much of life has “changed.”