Jimmy FontaineOver the summer, Charlie Puth was one of the artists whose names were being thrown around as possible American Idol judges. Ultimately, the show chose Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to join Katy Perry at the judges’ table, but Charlie now confirms that he was in talks for the job…and decided not to take it.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Charlie says, “I was going to [do American Idol], but the reason why I ended up passing is just because the schedule got too overwhelming. It has nothing to do with…ABC, [they’re] wonderful, and I told them I would love to be in business with them in the future.”
Charlie says that his life “got crazy” and he felt that if he accepted the Idol job, he’d be stretched too thin, and his health would be in jeopardy.
“I don’t wanna get sick again and cancel half my tour,” he tells ET. “It’s important that that doesn’t happen. So, you know, it had to be like this.”
But Charlie says he’s just happy that he got the call in the first place.
“The fact that they would even ask me to a part of it is just beyond flattering,” he says. “‘Cause it’s a show I grew up watching and I know it’s gonna be amazing without me.”
Charlie’s sophomore album, VoiceNotes, will be out January 19.
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