Katy Perry Says Emotional Goodbye to American Idol After 7 Seasons — Watch
The peacock has officially flown the coop. Sunday’s American Idol finale marked Katy Perry‘s last episode as a judge, and she was given quite the send-off.
You could see the emotions on her face from the moment she appeared on stage alongside fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest checked in on her during the first round and all she could say was, “It’s my last few hours.” Appropriately, Ryan replied, “Well, let’s enjoy them.”
As the finale approached its third hour, we were treated to a look back at Katy’s Idol journey, highlighting her close relationship with Luke, Lionel and Ryan. “We have so many memories,” Ryan told Katy after the segment finished airing, asking the question on everyone’s mind: “Are you sure you want to leave us?” She shook her head, appearing to fight back tears.
Katy then took the stage for a performance of her 2020 song “What Makes a Woman,” especially rewritten to accommodate finalist Jack Blocker as a duet partner. It turned the soft ballad into an interesting conversation, though nothing was more interesting than the outfit Katy donned for the unforgettable moment — a dress patterned with the faces of Idol contestants whose journeys she has shepherded during her time on the show.
Idol also paid tribute to Katy with a medley of her biggest hits, as performed by the women of this season’s Top 12. As Ryan described it, “that was fun,” but if we’re being real, it probably should have been scheduled to go before Katy’s duet with Jack, no?
News of Katy’s impending exit from Idol was broken by the singer herself during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! back in February 2024. A seemingly innocent game of Two Truths and a Lie took a too-real turn when she confirmed one of the truths: “I think this will probably be my last season of Idol.”
Of course, Sunday’s finale wasn’t just about saying goodbye to Katy, although we’re pretty sure ABC could have aired a three-hour documentary about her Disney Night costumes alone. We would also learn which of this season’s Top 3 singers — Abi Carter, Jack Blocker or Will Moseley — would be crowned the winner of Season 22.
Will you miss your weekly (and sometimes twice-weekly) dose of Katy on Idol, or are you ready to say goodbye? And which artist would you like to see fill her vacant seat on the panel next season? Grade her as a judge below, then drop a comment your thoughts on her final episode.
I love Katy on this show!!! Really going to miss her!!! The 3 judges have excellent chemistry. She’ll be hard to replace!
My brother and I is going to missed you on American Idol. We loved the dressed that you worn with contestants of the past seasons. We were sad that you are leaving but you continue with your singing. In our opinion, we would like to see Jon Bon Jovi to replaced you because has been with music a long time. GOD bless you Katy Perry.
Yes she was over dramatic at times but I will miss her on the show. She truly cares about the contestants and wants them all to succeed. I think she will be hard to replace
I will miss katys presence on American idol. I love her honesty and heart. It will be hard to watch next season!
I will continue to pray for Katy and wish her well. I am going to miss her lots. She reminds me of my daughter, they are the same age and they look alot alike.
I love Katy!! Katy was really honest to the contests. her and Luke pranks.
You need to stay Katy, no one can take your place. Everyone loves you. I’m 73 yrs old and love you so much. You are so sweet to everyone. And encourage them to do their best. What will they do with our you sweetie
Loved the dynamics, always looked forward to some of the wild outfits which is Katy perry. Love her sad to see her go
Blessings on Katie’s new life journey. Will miss her but am happy she is following her dreams.
With all the heaviness in the air, Katy’s lighthearted, good humored banter was a great respite. May she continue to use her God given gifts to pass on The Joy……
Wish she wasn’t leaving Idol. Won’t be the same😢
Maybe the show will start being about the contestants again.
One Word BYE!
Hello JORDAN JORDAN JORDAN!!!!!!!!
I have always wondered what her newest design she would be wearing on the next episode. Katy has done a fabulous job as a judge for seven seasons. Now she is re-stepping into being a singing artist again. She will be missed, but she has a private ambition she wants to follow. Best of luck to her renewed future.
There is a major age difference between Katie Perry and I but I loved her and her music. She was not boring but the most entertaining female Idol has ever had. Yea, she was a little bit crazy but that made her more endearing. She did an awesome job with the contestants, she and I’m sure, made the idols comfortable and relaxed. She was nuturing. She knows music so well and I can’t see a show like Idol letting her go, MISTAKE. Her cohorts opened up and they created awesome many funny moments. The show was exciting waiting for the good moments all 3 of them added to the show. What?
Did a couple of disgruntled people complain, they must have put a major complaint into Idol. Obviously, whoever they were had the clout to make this decision to fire Katie. Shame on them for not standing up for their most favored judge. We will miss KATIE. All 3 of the judges just made it work as a team. Sorry, you lost the best team you ever had.
I’m so sorry Katie. I love you new song.
The way people usually complain about her on here, I’m pleasantly surprised to see pretty good poll results. Yeah, sometimes she is a bit too much, but she also tends to be pretty good at the job, at the very least I always think she makes some of the best picks for Judge’s week. And I’ll gladly take her silly antics, which sometimes are fun!, alongside the rest. I hope she can come back at some point.