American Idol will return for Season 23 in 2025 without Katy Perry as one of the three judges. Alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, the American singer-songwriter has been a judge on the singing competition for seven years. She auditioned for the role in 2010, when she featured as a guest judge on the show. Despite her spat with Kara DioGuardi, a regular on the show at the time, the guest-judging gig left Perry determined to be a part of the show. She notably stated she’d abandon singing if given a permanent role on American Idol.
“The American Idol experience was awesome,” she told MTV in January 2010. “If I was offered that job as a permanent host, I would ditch my career and take on that career,” added the “Roar” singer. What she wished for happened in 2017 when she was tapped to join the show as a judge. Katy Perry announced her exit on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February 2024. “I think this probably will be my last… season for Idol,” she told Kimmel who asked how long she intends to stay on the show. Following Abi Carter’s emergence as Season 22 winner, Perry bid an emotional farewell to the series.
Katy Perry Joined American Idol Following ABC’s Revival In 2018
The singer debuted on the show in 2018 when ABC picked it up after its initial 15-season run on Fox. American Idol originally premiered on Fox on June 11, 2002, and aired on the network until April 7, 2016. When ABC decided to revive the singing competition series, Katy Perry was the first judge picked for the revival. She expressed her gratitude in a statement that in part, read: “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.”
She made a $25 million pact with ABC for the role. Justifying the amount, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, the Global CEO of FremantleMedia at the time, told The Hollywood Reporter that Katy Perry would make a great judge. “…I think she genuinely cares,” Fort-Coutaz said, “she’s brilliant.” Perry immediately proved her worth, spicing the show with her unique flair and signature style while guiding aspiring singers to launch their musical careers. Her time on the show was full of memorable moments that brought the singer to tears on her last day.
Why Is She Leaving The Show?
There’s no controversy around Katy Perry’s exit from American Idol. The “Dark Horse” singer only thinks it’s time to move on to other projects. For the seven seasons she has served as a judge on the singing competition, Perry relegated her musical career to the background, allowing American Idol to take centerstage. When the singer announced her departure on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, she hinted at a return to her musical career and tour.
“…I love Idol so much… It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat,” she told Kimmel. Adding that she’s “been in the studio for a while,” Perry asserted that she’s leaving American Idol to “see the world and maybe bring new music.” The American singer hasn’t released any album since 2020’s Smile. Katy Perry also hasn’t headlined any tour for years, however, she’s scheduled to perform at Brazil’s Rock In Rio music festival in September 2024.
Who Will Replace Katy Perry On American Idol?
As American Idol shops for a new judge, several names have been thrown in the mix to replace Katy Perry. ABC has yet to name a replacement but the American Idol fandom is rife with speculations regarding who will join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to judge Season 23 contestants. While some reports claim the showrunners are considering Taylor Swift, others suggest the upcoming season might return with Jennifer Lopez as one of the judges.
Amid the speculations, American Idol Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks has expressed her interest in joining the show. On February 16, 2024, just after Katy Perry announced her exit, she wrote to American Idol on X, declaring her desire to join the show. “…@AmericanIdol—I hear a seat opened up at the judges’ table! I’m putting my name in the hat!” reads the X post. Meanwhile, Richie told Entertainment Tonight that Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson are a great replacement for Perry. Bryan named Meghan Trainor, and the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, agreed with him. Check out what American Idol winners are doing now.
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