Brad Paisley Could Be a New Judge on American Idol

American Idol will look very different next year in terms of the judges. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler both announced they would not be returning as judges next season. We now know that Mariah Carey has signed on as a new judge, but that leaves one open slot that could be filled by Brad Paisley.

According to deadline.com, Paisley is being seriously considered to sit on the panel with veteran judge Randy Jackson and Carey. Bringing in a country superstar like Paisley could very well give the show a much better balance in terms of judging.

Makes sense considering the most successful Idol winner, Carrie Underwood has become a country megastar. Last year's winner, Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alana are both country. Other 'Idol' contestants that went into country include, Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler, Casey James, Phil Stacey and Danny Gokey.

Paisley has performed on 'Idol' and has recorded with Underwood and has invited McCreery to be part of his current 'Virtual Reality Tour' which will be in Evansville at the Ford Center on October 4th.

There is also speculation that Fox could go with a four-judge panel for next season.