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THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
Why is Katy Perry leaving American Idol? Reason for popstar’s resignation from US singing competition revealed
The Teenage Dream singer's surprise exit earned mixed reactions from the reality show's fans
KATY Perry has departed American Idol after seven seasons on the judging panel.
The Grammy Award nominee was seen in tears as winner Abi Carter sang Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For? during the show's three-hour finale.
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Why is Katy Perry leaving American Idol?
On February 12, 2024, Katy Perry announced she was leaving American Idol after seven seasons.
After Idol season 22, the Dark Horse singer said she plans to exit the show to focus on new music.
While discussing her decision on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Katy explained: "So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol.
"I love [American] Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I need to feel that pulse of my own beat.
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"I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music."
She added: "Well, you know, this fall, this September, I’m going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio.
"It’s really exciting.
"It’s a big deal for people all over the world, especially my Brazilian fans.
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"So it’s going to be a very, very exciting year…for all popstar girlies.
"Maybe I’ll come back if they'll have me one day!"
Katy Perry called out for 'disrespectful' move toward American Idol crowd during judge's final episode
When did Katy Perry join American Idol?
On May 16, 2017, ABC revealed Katy as a new judge for Idol's 16th season.
At the time, she told her fans: "I am honored and thrilled to be the first judge bringing back the American Idol tradition of making dreams come true for incredible talents with authentic personalities and real stories.
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"I’m always listening to new music and love discovering diamonds in the rough.
"From mentoring young artists on my label, or highlighting new artists on my tours, I want to bring it back to the music."
I thought a good way to honor my time here would be to put the top 24 of each season on my skirt so they were all there
Katy Perry
During the series finale, Katy performed a duet with third-place winner Jack Blocker and left fans floored by the reveal of her giant dress, which included pictures of 168 American Idol finalists from Katy's seven seasons on the show.
Katy told Entertainment Tonight after the show: “I thought a good way to honor my time here would be to put the top 24 of each season on my skirt so they were all there.
"It was a fun surprise because I was raising up and you just saw more and more contestants."
What did Katy Perry say about her co-judges?
While sharing the news about her departure, Jimmy Kimmel also mentioned Katy's co-judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
When he asked her what their reactions might be, she admitted they weren't aware of her decision.
"Well, they’ll find out tonight!" she remarked to Jimmy.
"I love them so much. They figure I’ve been in the studio for a while so they figured something is coming."
The judges have such an amazing chemistry but the show, through its existence, has always evolved into the next chapter and we're gonna do it again
Ryan Seacrest
The pop princess has always enjoyed a great relationship with Richie and Bryan.
Host Ryan Seacrest paid tribute to Perry and the chemistry she shared with the rest of the panel.
He said: "It's been a fantastic seven years with her, so sad to see her go.
"We all know each other very, very well.
"The judges have such an amazing chemistry but the show, through its existence, has always evolved into the next chapter and we're gonna do it again."
Read More on The US Sun
Perry's final Idol episode aired on May 19, 2024, when the show crowned Abi Carter as the season 22 winner.
Abi fell to the floor sobbing when host Ryan announced that she beat finalist Will Moseley for the crown.