Emotional Goodbye After Seven Seasons as Judge In a tear-filled episode of American Idol’s season 22 finale, pop superstar Katy Perry said goodbye to her role as a judge on the hit music competition show after a seven-year reign. Perry, 39, reflected on her emotional departure and hinted at a possible return in the future.
“It’s My Present from the Universe”
Catching up with Entertainment Tonight’s Denny Directo on the red carpet, a visibly emotional Perry expressed her pride and happiness for the season’s winner, Abi Carter. “It feels like a cherry on top that Abi got to win just because it’s been a while since, you know, a while since a female won,” Perry said, revealing that Carter was her pick from the beginning. “It’s my present from the universe.”
Leaving for Music, but Door Open for Return
While Perry is departing American Idol to focus on her music career, specifically her highly anticipated sixth studio album (KP6), she left the door open for a potential return. “Keep that seat hot. I mean, who knows,” she teased. “I loved everything I got to experience and learn.”
Cherishing the American Dream
Perry expressed her gratitude for the American Idol experience, saying it left her feeling “really close to my country.” She added, “I believe in humanity. I believe in the American Dream. I think this show, it’s like one of the last standing examples of a united front, American Dream, people coming from all places, all different beliefs, coming together.”
Emotional Farewells and Honoring Her Time
Parting ways with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan proved to be one of the most challenging aspects of her departure. Perry admitted that Richie’s simple statement of missing her was the first thing to make her emotional. To honor her time on the show, Perry donned a personalized skirt featuring the top 24 contestants from each season she judged, revealing them in a grand performance.
Back to Normal Life
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Perry shared her plans to return to a sense of normalcy after the show. “At the end of the night, I’m gonna go home and pack my daughter’s lunch,” she said, referring to her 3-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove, whom she shares with partner Orlando Bloom.
While Katy Perry’s journey on American Idol has come to an end, her impact on the show and its contestants will be remembered, and the door remains open for her potential return to the judge’s chair.
