Katy Perry is out! The pop star has officially exited American Idol after seven seasons as a judge. So, why did Katy Perry leave American Idol and what happened? Keep reading to find out.
American Idol is a popular singing competition that follows unknown artists from across the country as they compete for a recording contract and $250,000. The winner is determined by American viewers who can vote for their favorite artists. Created by Simon Fuller, the series originally ran for 15 seasons on FOX before it was canceled in 2016 and revived a few years later by ABC. Some of the biggest names in the music industry have come out of the show, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia Barrino and more.
The original judging panel consisted of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. When the series was rebooted in March 2018, singers Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were announced as the new judges. The trio have remained on the show for the past seven seasons, but Perry will be saying goodbye following Season 22. So, why did Katy Perry leave American Idol? We have the answer below.
What happened to Katy Perry on American Idol?
LIONEL RICHIE, KATY PERRY, LUKE BRYAN on American Idol
Perry announced that she was exiting American Idol during a Feb. 12, 2024, appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol,” she revealed. As for why the “Firework” singer is leaving, Perry explained that she loves the show “so much” and it has made her feel “connected with the heart of America,” but noted: “I feel like I need to feel that pulse to my own beat.” She’s also seemingly confirmed in other interviews that she left to focus on her sixth studio album.
When host Jimmy Kimmel asked how her fellow judges feel about her departure, Perry responded: “Well, they’ll find out tonight.” The songstress hinted that she has “some things planned” for the next year, which Richie and Bryan are aware of. “It’s going to be a very exciting year — for all pop star girlies,” she continued. “Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan.”
Kimmel admitted that he was “taken aback” by the news and teased the pop star for not telling Richie and Bryan first, but she clarified that they’ve known for awhile. “I’ve been in the studio for awhile so they figure something is up,” she said. “I love the show so much but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”
While Perry was not sure who will replace her, she did point out that the original trio of Cowell, Jackson and Abdul also had seven seasons together before Abdul left in 2009. (ABC later announced that Carrie Underwood, the Season 4 winner of American Idol, would replace Perry.)
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight after the American Idol Season 22 finale, her final episode on the singing competition, Perry confirmed her desire to return to American Idol in the future. “Well, everybody’s sad. I’m like, it’s not like I’m dying! I’m just going to see you on tour,” she said. “Keep that seat hot. I mean, who knows. I loved everything I got to experience and learn.”
She also told the site that her experience on American Idol made her feel “really close to my country.” She continued, “I believe in humanity. I believe in the American Dream. I think this show, it’s like one of the last standing examples of a united front, American Dream, people coming from all places, all different beliefs, coming together.”
Before the announcement that Underwood would replace her, Perry opened up about what she was looking for from the new judge in an interview with. Entertainment Tonight. “I hope it’s someone fearless. I hope it’s someone that doesn’t mince their words, maybe someone a little polarizing just like myself. There’s a lot of people that’s like, ‘She’s awful! She should go!’ And there’s a lot of people that are like, ‘She speaks her mind! She’s authentic!’ Whatever, you can’t win ’em all. I think it’s actually better not to win ’em all because that means you actually have a point of view,” Perry said.
As for who else almost replaced Perry on American Idol, a source told Life & Style in May 2024 that Jon Bon Jovi was the top contender to take Perry’s spot on American Idol Season 23. “Jon is the undisputed top contender to succeed Katy,” a source told Life & Style at the time. “A living legend with undeniable charisma, he possesses all the qualities necessary to command the stage and captivate TV audiences.
The only issue was Bon Jovi’s alleged “astronomical financial expectations,” which reportedly included a $25 million salary, the same amount that Perry reportedly also made as an American Idol judge. “The crux of the matter is money. To secure a true rock icon of his caliber, one must invest accordingly!” Life & Style’s insider said.
