Katy Perry has bid adieu to American Idol, marking the end of an era. The chart-topping "Dark Horse" singer made the announcement of her exit from the judge's panel during a February 2024 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, revealing that the 22nd season of the iconic singing competition would be her swansong. "I adore Idol with all my heart," Perry confessed to host Jimmy Kimmel. "It's been a bridge connecting me to the very pulse of America, but I sense a call to venture out and beat to my own drum."
This revelation left fans astounded, who had cherished the pop star's whimsical, over-the-top costumes and her unwavering encouragement to contestants to keep pushing forward. Perry embarked on her journey with ABC's revitalized American Idol in 2018, alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie – who, in April 2024, likened their trio to "a little family." Joking about Perry's departure, Richie remarked, "Perhaps Luke and I will conspire to kidnap her once she's gone."
In a grand finale, the 13-time Grammy nominee serenaded the audience with "What Makes a Woman" alongside contestant Jack Blocker during her last episode in May 2024. Perry donned a spectacular gown adorned with the faces of 160 former contestants, later posting pictures of their duet on Instagram with the caption, "Here it is... 7 years." The subsequent season premiered on March 9, following her departure.
But what prompted Katy Perry's exit from American Idol? Here's an insight into the pop sensation's decision to step away from the competition series and her endeavors since then.
Perry parted ways with American Idol in 2024, driven by her desire to concentrate on other ventures, notably her upcoming music projects. "I've been holed up in the studio for quite some time, so [Richie and Bryan] probably suspected something was brewing," the "Teenage Dream" crooner shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. "While I hold the show dear to my heart, I yearn to explore the world and perhaps introduce new music."
In July 2024, Perry unleashed her single "Woman’s World" from her album 143, which debuted the subsequent September, fulfilling her creative aspirations.
In August of 2024, "Good Morning America" made a sensational announcement: Carrie Underwood, the former "American Idol" contestant who had transformed into a country music superstar, was set to take Perry's place as a judge. Underwood, who claimed victory in the show's fourth season back in 2005 with her hit "Before He Cheats," expressed to "GMA" that returning to the show after two decades felt akin to coming back "home." During the interview in August 2024, she reminisced, "So many of the people who work on the show today were there when I was a contestant. Having been on both sides of the stage, I hope to offer unique insights."
Perry, heaping praise on Underwood in an interview with PEOPLE in January 2025, insisted that the country crooner was "destined" for the judge's seat, having experienced firsthand the contestants' journey.
For the 23rd season of "American Idol," Underwood will join forces with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judge's table. The seasoned mentors boasts of having already imparted wisdom to the country star.
"Early in the tapings, Carrie was unaware that she could suggest songs for the contestants," Bryan revealed during a March 2025 appearance on "Good Morning America." "The thrilling part is when you spot a spark in a contestant that the other two judges might miss, you can really take pride in nurturing that talent." He went on, "It's been delightful to see her grasp these nuances, and we're thoroughly enjoying the incredible talent this year. It's truly phenomenal."
The 23rd season of "American Idol" will kick off on March 9 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with new episodes also streaming on Hulu.
Since her final "American Idol" episode aired in May 2024, Perry has been devoting herself to her music career, releasing her seventh studio album in September 2024 and announcing her upcoming North American tour in January 2025.
"I'll be introducing fans to a few new tunes, and I'm dubbing it the 'Lifetimes Tour' because I'm celebrating my entire discography thus far," Perry shared with PEOPLE, hinting at a mesmerizing spectacle. "Expect costume changes, performances, dancers, musicians – I'll even fly around the stage. There isn't a bad seat in the house; I'll make sure to interact with everyone at some point," she teased excitedly.
