AMERICAN IDOL "618 (Season Finale)" The live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale features ... [+]
Tonight’s not just the premiere of Season 22 of American Idol. It’s also the last first episode for Katy Perry, who is leaving the singing competition after seven years on the judging panel. Read on for the reason for Perry’s surprising exit and which celebrity could replace her.
American Idol previously ran on FOX for 15 seasons before the network canceled it in 2016. The “Firework” artist became a judge, alongside singers Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, when ABC revived the series in 2018. Longtime Idol host Ryan Seacrest also returned for the ABC reboot.
On Feb. 12, Perry announced that she was exiting American Idol after Season 22 during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! “So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol,” Perry revealed. She stated that she loves the show “so much” and it has made her feel “connected with the heart of America.”
“I feel like I need to feel that pulse to my own beat,” she said.
After the news, Perry’s fellow American Idol judge Lionel Richie admitted that he’s “not mad” about the singer’s departure. “It just made me run off the road when I first heard about it,” he joked on a separate appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, Feb. 15. “My phone blew up.”
Richie added that he wasn’t aware that Perry was leaving. “No, we didn’t know about it, but it makes sense,” he continued. “In other words: The reason I love coming on the show with you and the reason I’m doing American Idol is because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things that I’ve done.”
Why Is Katy Perry Leaving American Idol?
AMERICAN IDOL "615 (Judge's Song Contest)" - The Judge's Song Contest returns as judges Luke Bryan, ... [+]
Katy Perry revealed that she’s leaving American Idol to focus on her pop career and release new music.
“I love the show so much, but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music,” Perry, who finished her two-year Las Vegas residency in November 2023, told Kimmel. “It’s going to be a very, very exciting year for all pop star girlies,” she continued. “Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan.”
When Kimmel asked her how Richie and Bryan took the news, Perry joked, “Well, they’ll find out tonight!” She explained that the other judges know she’s spent time in the studio and “figured something is up.”
The Teenage Dream artist also announced that she’s performing at Brazil’s Rock in Rio music festival in September. “It’s really exciting,” Perry added.
Perry didn’t rule out returning to the long-running singing show in the future. “Maybe I’ll come back if they have me one day,” she said.
Who Is Replacing Katy Perry On American Idol?
INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 24: Actress/singer Jennifer Lopez (L) and singer Taylor Swift attend the ... [+]
ABC has not yet revealed who will replace Katy Perry as a judge on American Idol. A few singers, including Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift, are reportedly being considered for the gig.
“She [Taylor] will be offered the job,” a source connected to American Idol told the Daily Mail in February 2024. The superstar could be free to judge for Season 23, as her The Eras Tour is expected to end in late 2024. However, the source added that show’s producers are reportedly not “holding their breath on getting Taylor.”
Meanwhile, Lopez is no stranger to American Idol. The singer and actress first appeared on the program in Season 10 before returning as a judge in Seasons 11, 13, 14, and 15. “When people come back, things work... people like nostalgia, and people like Jen. It would be a big get to get her back,” the same source said about J.Lo.
A former Idol winner also expressed interest in filling Perry’s shoes next season. Jordin Sparks — the youngest contestant to win the competition in 2007 — tagged American Idol and tweeted, “Oh hiiii @AmericanIdol —I hear a seat opened up at the judges table! I’m putting my name in the hat!”
Fans flooded Sparks’ comment section and were on board with the singer’s potential return to Idol. “Please do. Honestly. I think having an Og winner is exactly what it needs,” one user wrote. “This is a perfect choice, she can guide them through something she’s experienced! Maybe a new star will be discovered.. like the good old days!” another X user commented.
Stay tuned to learn who will replace Katy Perry on American Idol.
American Idol airs on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
