After seven seasons as a judge on American Idol, Katy Perry recently declared her departure from the popular singing competition during her Jimmy Kimmel Live! appearance. While discussing her upcoming projects, which include new music, Perry, 39, acknowledged that she will no longer serve as a judge on the show.
Fans on Instagram have expressed their disappointment at her final season announcement, with some suggesting that Perry’s commitment to creating new music is not a valid excuse for leaving. Interestingly, as some continue to point out, fellow judge Luke Bryan continues to release and work on music while remaining a fixture on the show.
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Katy Perry Garners Mixed Reactions From Fans After Announcing Her 'American Idol' Judging Departure
Beneath a new post about Perry leaving Idol on Instagram, many fans took to the comments section to share their thoughts. "Bummer!!" one fan wrote as another added: "I’ll miss you Katy." Someone else commented: "I’m so bummed to hear this. Katy Perry is so real on the show!" One other disappointed user noted: "Luke Bryan tours every year, makes new music and still does Idol."
While speaking about her Idol journey with host Jimmy Kimmel on his late night talk show last week, Perry explained: "I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat, you what I’m saying Jimmy?"
Kimmel, 56, then asked the "Dark Horse" hitmaker what her fellow Idol judges Bryan, 47, and Lionel Richie would think of her leaving the show. Perry joked: "Well they’ll find out tonight!" She went on, adding that Bryan and Richie, 74, "know that I have some things planned for this year." She added: "So it’s going to be a very, very exciting year … for all popstar girlies!"
The "Teenage Dream" singer continued, and gushed about her Idol coworkers: "I love them so much." She revealed that Bryan and Richie had been cognizant of her intentions to depart from Idol upon witnessing her presence "in the studio." Perry continued: "They figure I’ve been in the studio for a while so they figured something is coming. I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music."
During the interview, Kimmel pressed Perry on the topic of potential successors and inquired about the possibility of a ceremonial handover of her crown. "Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan," Perry replied. In 2018, Perry memorably joined Idol's judging panel, which included Bryan and Richie, for the show's revival on ABC.
This came after its initial 15-season run on Fox. ABC made an announcement in July 2023, noting that Perry, Bryan, and Richie will be returning as judges for the 22nd season. The premiere episode of the new season is scheduled to air on February 18th.
During her interview with Kimmel, Perry expressed her willingness to consider a potential comeback to the series.
"Maybe I’ll come back if they'll have me one day!" she shared. The comedian then joked in response: "I'm sure they'll be very happy to have you and if it turns out you want to come back I'm sure they'll fire whoever replaces you."
