American Idol Bombshell: Katy Perry reveals season 22 will be her last on the panel.
A major American Idol shakeup is ahead. Judge Katy Perry announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live Monday night (Feb 12) that the current season 22 will be her last on the panel.
She explained that although she loves American Idol, it’s time to pursue other projects.
“This fall, in September, I’m going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio… so I think this will probably be my last season for Idol,” Katy shared with Jimmy and a shocked audience. It’s quite the bombshell right there.
“I mean, I love Idol so much,” she added, “It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I need to feel that pulse of my own beat.”
She didn’t exactly share the news yet with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie
As far as what her fellow panelists Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie think about her decision to leave the show? “Well, they’ll find out tonight!” Katy said.
After sharing an American Idol clip of Katy explaining how she used to busk on the streets of her hometown, Santa Barbara, California, she explained how the show held auditions in the hometowns of all the judges. She joked that Luke almost buried her in peanuts at his Leesburg, Georgia peanut farm.
Who will replace Katy on American Idol?
As far as who might replace Katy on the panel she says, “Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wing span.” She noted that original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson did seven seasons of the show. (Paula left after season 8, Simon left after season 9 and Randy stopped judging after season 12). It’s a little confusing, surely she knows they all served more than seven seasons on the show. Jimmy wondered if she didn’t want to overshadow the OGs. Her answer did not offer clarity.
Katy joined American Idol in Season 16, back in March 2018, when the show was revived on ABC after previously completing a 15-season run on FOX.
Is Katy actually angling for a pay raise with Jimmy Kimmel’s help?
However, her decision doesn’t sound 100 percent set in stone. She said that it would “probably” be her farewell season. Is it possible that Katy is angling for a big pay raise to return for another season? Maybe Jimmy is helping her negotiate her contract!
But on the other hand, season 21 had brutal moments for Katy as the tabloid press dragged her through the mud for every little thing. She may be sick of that.
