Katy Perry joining 'American Idol' edition

Katy Perry pooh-poohed the idea of joining ‘American Idol’s judging table, citing the long-term commitment and other projects vying for her time.

Granted, ‘American Idol’ has been around for a while, and other shows have cropped up that all resuscitate that ‘Star Search’-vibe. But it’s still sits atop its perch, high above the copycats and pretenders, as the King of the TV Talent Show throne.

But being tabloid fodder is a double-edged sword. Any press is good press, until you get overexposed, and the public gets sick of you. Then, there’s no press, which is bad. Being a season-long judge on ‘American Idol’ will remind people every week that she is a pop star, someone whose opinion matters, not just fuel for more sensationalism.

Her love of fur coats and kissing boyfriends on yachts on camera is a far cry from being “the girl next door”, but Jennifer Lopez, J LO, Jenny from the block or whatever you want to call her has re-emerged as a media darling. Even her fedora-wearing, perpetually shirtless boy toy can’t sully her image, and if anything has only spiced up her allure.

Maybe Katy Perry doesn’t think her allure needs spicing. I know the judges throughout ‘American Idol’s history have been either retired, staging a comeback, or coming off an umpteenth reunion tour. I can see why Katy Perry doesn’t want to put herself in any of these categories. She’s hot and still a relevant force in pop culture.

I’m just saying, if she wishes to remain relevant between CD releases (and for something other than her personal life), there are definitely worse ways.