ABC wants Kelly Clarkson to judge American Idol if and when it returns.

A source mentioned that Kelly is on the top of the list to be a judge. ABC loved Kelly when she judged on the show Duets and would love to have her back for the Idol return because she was so great and it would make complete sense for her to be on the panel.

Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of American Idol, so her returning for the reboot as a judge, when she’s already proved to have been a great guest judge would be a hit!

“Her, along with Ryan Seacrest, would give the reboot the sign off that ABC thinks the show needs for the show, and its future, to excel” said the source.

Lots of people still see this as a bad idea to bring the show back, but with Kelly onboard, this could turn things around. As for Ryan Seacrest, he’s now even busier with “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” I think that he should decline and let the show find a fresh face as host.