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Katy Perry left American Idol after its 22nd season, ending a seven-season run as a judge. She said she wanted to reconnect with audiences through performing and make or release new music; ABC later announced Carrie Underwood as her successor, alongside returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
When did Katy Perry leave American Idol?
On February 13, 2024, Perry said on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that season 22 would probably be her last: “I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for ‘Idol.’” ABC News reported that she was leaving after seven seasons as a judge. Season 22 premiered on February 18, 2024. (ABC News, February 13, 2024)
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Her initial wording was tentative, but the season became her farewell: ABC subsequently announced a new judging panel for the following season.
Why did Perry say she was leaving?
Perry described wanting to spend time performing and making music. In February, she said, “I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.” She also said she wanted to “go out and feel that pulse.” In April, she spoke of singing, playing music and touring. These were her stated intentions, not a confirmed tour itinerary or a promised music-release schedule. (ABC News, February 13, 2024; ABC News, April 12, 2024)
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Perry did not present her departure in those remarks as a dispute with the network or fellow judges. In an April interview, she called the experience “incredible” and said the seven-season journey had “healed my heart.” She also told her eventual replacement to “Keep my seat warm,” saying she hoped for someone who could “put up with Luke and Lionel.” (ABC News, April 12, 2024)
Who replaced Katy Perry?
ABC announced on August 1, 2024, that Carrie Underwood would join the judging panel for the next season, with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie returning. The announcement called it season eight on ABC and season 23 overall. (ABC / American Idol, August 1, 2024)
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| Season | Judging panel detail |
|---|---|
| Season 22 | Perry’s final season; she departed after seven seasons as a judge. (ABC News) |
| Season 23 overall; season eight on ABC | Underwood joined Bryan and Richie. (ABC / American Idol) |
How did the show mark her departure?
After the season 22 finale, the judges toasted Perry over dinner. Bryan later described the moment as “a perfect way to wrap the season and to wrap, certainly, Katy’s tenure with us, and it was really special.” (ABC News, June 11, 2024)
Perry said goodbye “for now” in April, leaving open the possibility of a return without announcing one. (ABC News, April 12, 2024)
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