Sad News for ‘American Idol’ Viewers as Fan-Favorite Judge Announces Exit

Calling all American Idol fans. You might want to sit down for this one because we have some unfortunate news to share. 

Katy Perry, who serves as a judge on the singing competition, is leaving the show after seven seasons. The “Firework” singer, 39, announced her departure while appearing on Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. 

While promoting American Idol season 22, Perry shared that this upcoming season will probably be her last on the show. “This fall, in September, I'm going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio... so I think this will probably be my last season for Idol,” Perry told viewers. 

Perry went on to share how much working on American Idol has meant to her. “I mean, I love Idol so much. It's connected me with the heart of America, but I need to feel that pulse of my own beat,” she explained. 

When Kimmel asked how her fellow judges—Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie—reacted to the news of her exit, Perry said, “Well, they'll find out tonight!” (Talk about a surprise reveal.)

“They know that I have some things planned for this year,” she continued. “It’s going to be a very exciting year—for all pop star girlies.”

Perry joined American Idol back in 2018 when the revival of the show debuted on ABC. American Idol premiered in 2002 with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson serving as the original judges.