Katy Perry looks back at her time as 'American Idol' judge ahead of ABC show's Season 22 finale

Katy Perry promises to 'cry at everything' during emotional 'American Idol' finale on her last season as ABC judge
Katy Perry originally announced that she was departing from 'American Idol' in February (Facebook/@katyperry)
Katy Perry originally announced that she was departing from 'American Idol' in February (Facebook/@katyperry)

KAPOLEI, HAWAII: Katy Perry's final episode on 'American Idol' has arrived, and she has revealed that she feels emotional about it. In a recent interview with KABC, the 'American Idol' judge revealed what her feelings would be.

"I think I will be crying at anything," Katy said to the outlet.

(Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)
Katy Perry's final episode of 'American Idol' has come and she confessed that she will be 'crying at everything' (Momodu Mansaray/@Getty Images)

"It's been a beautiful journey, and I love watching these kids grow and becoming this big, beautiful patchwork quilt."

The singer said that she believed Will Moseley, Jack Blocker, and Abi Carter, who are in the top three, were all worthy and "ready to go."

Katy Perry faces backlash for costume choice (@abc)
Katy Perry emotional on her last 'American Idol' episode (@ABC)

Why did Katy Perry quit 'American Idol'?

Katy, along with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, served as judges on the ABC show for seven seasons. The three-hour conclusion aired on May 19, and the show bid farewell to Katy.

Katy originally announced that she was departing from 'American Idol' in February. She made the unexpected news on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'.

"This fall, in September, I'm going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio," the mother of one revealed. "So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol."

The audience gasped as Katy talked about how much she enjoys Idol but needs to "feel the pulse of her own beat."

Katy, on the other hand, suggested in April that she is just quitting Idol "for now," to focus on music and touring.

(@katyperrycollections and @katyperry/Instagram)
Katy Perry originally revealed that she was leaving 'American Idol' in February, 2024
(Instagram/@katyperrycollections, @katyperry)

Who will replace Katy Perry on 'American Idol'?

There have been rumors circulating about Katy's replacement, as no one has been announced yet. Given that Meghan Trainor has coached the participants both this season and in the past, host Ryan Seacrest believes she would be a suitable Katy substitute.

Ryan and Luke stated after Meghan's May performance that she would be a "fun replacement." "I think Meghan's always been real fun," Luke told Entertainment Tonight.

"You know, that's kinda been her brand, to have fun. [She's] real witty, so certainly."

"She was very good. Meghan is a super talent, too, and she's got a great sense of humor." Ryan said, "She's fun, and she's spontaneous."

Katy Perry has a net worth of $340 million (Instagram/@katyperry)
Katy Perry's replacement on 'American Idol' is yet to be announced (Instagram/@katyperry)

Jordin Sparks wishes to replace Katy Perry as 'American Idol' judge

Jordin Sparks, the winner of Season 6, expressed interest in the post shortly after Katy made her decision.

"Oh hiiii @AmericanIdol—I hear a seat opened up at the judges table! I’m putting my name in the hat!," she wrote on X.



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Anthony Mackie’s recent comments about filming sparked curiosity among fans about Vision’s possible appearance.
2026-11-11T07:46:48.000Z
Despite breaking her nose, Jenna Johnson delivered a salsa performance with Harry Shum Jr. that earned them 29 out of 30 points
2026-11-11T05:49:43.000Z
'Dancing With the Stars' Season 35 enters its quarterfinals with seven couples still standing
2026-11-11T02:58:50.000Z
Cam’s dad appeared on the show when he met Aneha and later returned for the reunion
2026-11-10T10:27:23.000Z
Thanks to America’s votes, an artist from Team Kelly made it back to the competition
2026-11-10T07:45:37.000Z
After Harry Jowsey took over as the new Don, he had the power to eliminate two players
2026-11-10T06:21:24.000Z
After her engagement ended, Michaella reconnected with Matt away from the cameras
2026-11-10T05:03:40.000Z
After the Boston reunion, casting calls and restaurant sightings offer fresh clues about where Netflix’s ‘Love Is Blind’ could head for Season 12.
2026-11-09T18:29:01.000Z
The Boston cast reunited long after their weddings, with Sarah and John’s split and Benita’s new engagement among the revelations
2026-11-09T16:23:06.000Z
Ashe takes on the ‘Love Is Blind’ reunion stage to perform a fitting song
2026-11-09T09:55:24.000Z