American Idol producers are hoping to get Jennifer Lopez back on the judging panel, according to show insiders, who claim bosses could consider shaking up the entire panel after Katy Perry announced her shock exit this week.

Fans were left stunned after the 39-year-old pop star confirmed she is stepping down from the popular ABC show on Monday, leaving a slot open for a new star to join regulars Lionel Richie, 74, and Luke Bryan, 47.

‘A return from the past is on the cards,’ a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. ‘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.’

Lopez, 54, made her judging debut on season 10 in 2011. She returned to the role for seasons 11, 13, 14 and 15 – enjoying great feedback from fans during her run.

American Idol producers are hoping to get Jennifer Lopez back on the judging panel, a source told DailyMail.com (pictured in 2012)

Katy Perry announced her shock exit this week, confirming the the current series of the competition show will be her last – pictured with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan

But the insider claimed producers are also considering other possibilities, including recruiting younger names to draw in a new demographic – and even 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,’ they continued.

‘They would consider changing the entire panel if need be, even though they love Lionel and Luke.’

The pair have both served as judges since the revival in 2018.

‘Show host Ryan [Seacrest] has told higher-ups to go for someone that is out of the box if they do a complete overhaul,’ the source continued. ‘No one thought Steven Tyler was going to be what he was and he was a fun choice.

‘Right now every option is on the table, it will take a few months to figure out full details and a replacement, but Ryan is having them think outside the box.’

The source also claimed bosses are anticipating big name stars throwing their names into the ring, adding: ‘There are a lot of people who want this job, everyone will be considered, and they have a long time to figure it out.

‘They are going to enjoy the ride and honor Katy’s last year and announce her replacement around the finale or when they officially get the green light for a return next season.’

Producers aren’t afraid to shoot for the stars as the source stated that they would even extend an offer to Swift, 34.

‘She will be offered the job,’ they said. ‘That is a long shot.

Producers are reportedly keen to reinstate a familiar face – and Lopez is the top choice – pictured in 2015 alongside Keith Urban on the panel

Lopez, 54, pictured with Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Steven Tyler in a promotional image for Season 11 back in 2012

‘They are just thinking about what would be the best-case scenario, namely to get the biggest star in the world. But they aren’t holding their breath on getting Taylor.’

Perry revealed she had quit American Idol during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday.

The multihyphenate had reportedly been plotting her exit from the show since last year, when it was revealed she felt repeatedly ‘thrown under the bus by producers’ who she believed were purposefully editing her to look like the ‘nasty judge.’

‘I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean, I love Idol so much,’ she revealed on the late-night show.

‘It’s connected me with, like, the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse.’

The Grammy nominee pointed out it was her seventh season and former judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson all left after seven seasons too.

Show bosses feel no ill will toward Perry for her decision to step back after seven seasons, with the insider adding: ‘ABC and producers of Idol are OK with Katy Perry making this her swansong on the show.

‘They knew it was coming and to have her address it on another ABC show a few days before the season starts was no surprise.’

The source continued: ‘They are going to enjoy this season with Katy and she will always be welcomed back.’

In fact, her decision to quit is being seen as a great turning point for the series as there are hopes it could revitalize interest.

Lopez featured on five seasons of the show before it was canceled in 2016

Bosses are reportedly going to reach out to Taylor Swift – but know it is a ‘long shot’

The insider explained: ‘It gives the show a new life because this entire season there will be talk about who her replacement will be, if they will do a complete overhaul and the show will be in the news the entire time, which is great for ratings.

‘Then next season will be talked about because it will all be new. Look at what The Voice does all the time.’

Considering Perry is currently the highest paid judge with a reported salary of $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, the network will certainly need a big check to woo a performer of the same caliber, or an even bigger household name.

Lopez, who is gearing up for the release of her ninth studio album this week, has already been gaining traction online, with fans convinced she will make a grand return.

The Jenny From the Block singer enjoyed five seasons in total. She briefly quit in 2012 before returning in 2014, and was there for the final series before its cancelation in 2016.

Speaking previously about her decision to step down in 2012, she said: ‘I really learned a lot about myself. I had purpose.

‘And I just felt I’ve got to work on my acting more, my singing more, my dancing more, my everything. I just need to be better in every way.’