On Monday night, Katy Perry appeared on ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' and dropped a bombshell announcement: the upcoming season of 'American Idol' will be her last as a judge. Perry, who has been a part of the show for seven seasons since it moved to ABC in 2018, shared her decision during the interview with host Jimmy Kimmel.
When asked about her future with 'American Idol,' Perry revealed that she was planning to leave after the upcoming season. While expressing her love for the show and how it has connected her with the heart of America, the singer explained that she feels the need to explore new opportunities and follow her own rhythm.
Despite being part of the judging panel alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Perry admitted that her co-judges were yet to be informed about her departure. She amusingly mentioned that they would find out that night during the show. As for Perry's replacement, there seems to be no concrete plan in place at the moment.
Perry also shared an interesting tidbit about the show's history. By completing seven seasons as a judge, she, Bryan, and Richie will match the impressive tenure of the original 'American Idol' judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. These iconic figures were with the show from its inception on Fox in 2002. Technically, they stayed for eight seasons, but were joined by a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, in Season 8.
Expressing her passion for 'American Idol,' Perry left the door open for a potential return in the future, stating, 'I love the show so much, but I want to see the world. Maybe I'll come back if they have me one day.'
The news of Perry's departure comes as a surprise to fans who have come to appreciate her energetic and vibrant presence on the show. Known for her hits like 'Firework,' Perry has brought a unique perspective and infectious enthusiasm to the judging panel. Her departure will undoubtedly be felt by both the contestants and the loyal viewers of 'American Idol.'
As the upcoming season of 'American Idol' approaches, fans can anticipate saying farewell to Katy Perry as she embarks on new adventures beyond the singing competition. Her decision to leave the show may be bittersweet, but it reflects her desire to explore new horizons and march to the beat of her own drum.
