Late-night chat shows are always a good place for Hollywood’s biggest stars to have relaxing, fun conversations with hilarious hosts or promote their upcoming projects. However, it’s seldom a platform to drop a bombshell.
However, Katy Perry had different plans when she graced the studio of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. On Monday night, the singer-songwriter and TV personality revealed to Jimmy Kimmel that the upcoming season of American Idol will be her last one as a judge.
Katy Perry Surprises Fans With American Idol Exit Announcement
As mentioned above, late-night chat shows are a great opportunity for celebrities to promote their forthcoming projects. The Monday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! started on the same note, as Katy Perry joined the host Jimmy Kimmel to promote the upcoming 22nd season of American Idol.
Perry has been a judge on the reality singing competition since 2018. Accordingly, Jimmy asked how much longer she would continue leading the show alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. She said:
“I think this will probably be my last season for Idol. I mean, I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I need to feel that pulse of my own beat.”
As expected, the stunning announcement sent fans of the show into a frenzy.
I really love Katy on Idol, but on the other hand, HOORAY! Bring on a global era once again 🦋https://t.co/tVfH0sAMUR
— Jack White (@Jack5326) February 13, 2024
Awww 😢
— ᴵ⋅ ᴿᴬᴶᴬ (@wayofsoul) February 13, 2024
Shes putting all her energy into this album, this may be the biggest comeback of the century- Were about to witness Pop history https://t.co/gqjCrAgQWy
— Connor Hesse (@DefNotConnorhee) February 13, 2024
She got the funds for her album 😭 https://t.co/asq75UYQb4
— Amritola (kindess verison) (@pinksleuthing) February 13, 2024
katy perry leaving american idol and saying new music is coming… mother is going back to her popstar roots yall pic.twitter.com/WDKYEu4T2K
— Bradley 🦋 (@bradleyberdecia) February 13, 2024
The 39-year-old added that she’s going to be part of a “huge” music festival in Brazil this fall.
When Kimmel asked, “What did Luke and Lionel say” about her exit, the Roar singer replied, “Well, they’ll find out tonight!”
The trio’s popularity and energetic presence played a key role in American Idol’s revival after ABC picked it up in 2018. Before that, it had a long run on Fox.
What Katy Perry Said About Usher’s Super Bowl Performance
Perry’s appearance on the show came a day after Super Bowl LVIII, leading to Kimmel asking the Harleys In Hawaii singer if she paid more attention to the game or the halftime show.
She confessed her focus was on the latter before praising Usher, who headlined this year’s Apple Music halftime show.
“He was awesome,” Perry remarked before revealing she met the R&B icon in summer on a vacation, where they played the game Monopoly. “He’s a beast at the Monopoly deal,” she revealed.
Perry headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2015. Her performance was so incredible and entertaining that it set a viewing record of 121 million at the time. However, Rihanna surpassed the feat in 2023.
