Yes. Katy Perry was reported to have cried during the American Idol season 22 finale on May 19, 2024, after winner Abi Carter performed Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” It was also Perry’s final episode as a judge after seven seasons on the show.
Why was Katy Perry emotional during the finale?
The tears came in the closing stretch of a finale that marked Perry’s last night on the judging panel. Carter had just won the competition and was performing “What Was I Made For?” People reported that Perry cried as Carter sang. That public moment is clear; the coverage does not establish a private reason for her tears beyond the context of the farewell and the winner’s performance.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
American Idol - The Best & Worst of American Idol ( Limited Edition ) | $5.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
American Idol: The Search For a Superstar | $4.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
American Idol: The Search For a Superstar | $10.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
American Idol - The Best of Seasons 1 - 4 | $34.58 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Best of American Idol: Seasons 1, 2, and 3 | $21.50 | Buy on Amazon |
Before the finale, Perry told ABC7, “I think I will be crying at anything.” She also described her time on the show as “a beautiful journey,” saying she loved watching the contestants grow. Her comments anticipated an emotional evening without specifying how she would react to any particular performance.
Was this Katy Perry’s last American Idol episode?
Yes. The May 19, 2024 episode was the season 22 finale and Perry’s last episode as an American Idol judge, concluding seven seasons on the panel. ABC’s recap lists Perry alongside fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, with Ryan Seacrest hosting. Perry had announced before the season ended that she would leave the show.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
Speaking to Good Morning America about the experience, Perry said, “It’s been incredible to be on this journey with them.” She also described the show as having “healed my heart” and called her departure “for now.” To a prospective replacement, she offered: “Keep my seat warm.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the finale marked Perry’s seven seasons
The episode gave Perry several onstage send-offs. She performed “What Makes A Woman” with finalist Jack Blocker, who sang a rewritten verse. The top 12 women also performed a medley of Perry’s hits as a tribute.
Rank #2
ABC News described two looks that carried the farewell theme. Perry opened in a gold corseted top and white skirt, with seven gold roses representing her seven seasons. For the duet, she wore a costume featuring the faces of contestants from those seasons. In captions reproduced by ABC News, Perry wrote, “🥀 7 roses for 7 seasons 🥀 143 #idol 🫶🏼” and, about the duet look, “there it is… 7 years 🥺 #idol.”
The show’s farewell resonated with Perry’s fellow judge Luke Bryan. After the finale, he described it as “really emotional” and “perfect.” When Perry said she had only a few hours left on the show, Seacrest replied, “Well, let’s enjoy them.”
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Rank #3
Sources
- ABC’s season 22 finale recap, May 20, 2024.
- ABC News interview on Perry’s departure, April 12, 2024.
- ABC News report on Perry’s finale looks, May 20, 2024.
- ABC7’s pre-finale interview, May 18, 2024.
- People’s report on Perry’s tears and Carter’s win, hosted by Yahoo, May 20, 2024.
- ABC News interview with Luke Bryan, June 11, 2024.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
