Katy Perry Announces She’s Leaving ‘American Idol’ After 7 Seasons

Katy Perry

Katy Perry Announces She’s Leaving ‘Americ an Idol’ After 7 Seasons

Katy Perry is parting ways with American Idol. 

The ‘Roar’ singer, who first joined the judge’s panel in 2018 ahead of its 16th season, announced Monday night that she is leaving the singing competition.

“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.”

She suggested her co-judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie had no idea, adding,

“Well, they’ll find out tonight! [They] know that I have some things planned for this year. So it’s going to be a very, very exciting year … for all popstar girlies!”

She said she loves Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie “so much,” and noted that they probably speculated she was leaving after she began recording new music.

“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.”

As for who could replace her, Katy Perry teased,

“Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan.”

But she’s not saying goodbye for good. She added that she’s up for doing a cameo in the future.

“Maybe I’ll come back if they’ll have me one day!”

Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie all joined ‘American Idol’ when it departed from Fox and was revived on ABC.