Taylor Hicks Says a Winner (Not Chris Daughtry) Should Judge 'American Idol' Reboot
5/16/2017 by Colin Stutz
Taylor Hicks at Dolby Theatre on April 7, 2016 in Hollywood, Calif.
"What you go through to win the show is a lot different than what you go through when you're third, fourth, fifth or 10th."
As American Idol prepares to reboot on ABC, the judges panel is slowly being announced. Katy Perry is confirmed for the show and recently former Idol contestant Chris Daughtry was reported to be joining as well, prompting season 5 victor Taylor Hicks to ask shouldn't a winner fill that role instead?
The Domenick Nati Show on Tuesday, Hicks did not seem to really approve of word that his season 5 rival Daughtry might have a starring role on the show's return. Daughter has gone on to have a successful post-Idol career, but still only finished fourth in the competition.
"I'm not gonna get into who shouldn't or who should be a judge. If anything, I think a winner should be, personally. Because what you go through to win the show is a lot different than what you go through when you're third or fourth or fifth or tenth," said Hicks. "If they were going to have a judge that's from the show ... I would feel like a winner would be the best suited."
Hicks also said he felt like Idol could probably have waited one or two more years before returning, but added that ABC is a good new home for it and praised the network for doing a good job with their reality shows.
When asked whether he would consider joining the new Idol, he said he would. He was also pressed on whether he has already been asked.
"I've got some pretty good ideas, we'll see what happens," he said. "I'm just gonna be tight lipped about everything. I'm not confirming or denying it."
Listen to the interview here: