ABC is "hopeful" that Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Byran will return to 'American Idol'

ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke told Deadline: "Everyone is focused right now on the finale next week, which we're excited about. We are in those conversations but right now, from our side and the judges, we're just focused on getting through Sunday and having a great night and we'll be back in the conversation. I'm very hopeful."

And the 'Roar' hitmaker will no doubt jump at the chance to return to the panel as she recently admitted she felt "blessed" to be helping people chase after their dreams.

She said: "We are so invested... Honest to God, we are following our intuition. There is no script, this is just like the universe giving us gorgeous blessings."

However, there may be an opportunity to see a new face on the panel as Charlie Puth was forced to turn down a judging role last year because he was too busy with work.

He said previously: "The schedule got too overwhelming. It's nothing to do with [the network] ... ABC is wonderful and I told them I would love to be in business with them in the future. [I was in talks] and then things in my life got crazy.

"I can't wait to watch it. It's a huge honour that they asked me. The fact that they would even ask me to be a part of it is just beyond flattering because it's a show I grew up watching and I know it's going to be amazing without me."