Since American Idol took the leap from Fox to ABC, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan have been along for the ride. Last season, they announced their return for Season 7 on ABC, Season 22 overall. Fans were ecstatic to see the judges continue on the popular reality TV show.
However, it may be the last ride for one judge.
Perry appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, February 12 to help promote American Idol’s return. The host and pop star talked about various things, including watching the Super Bowl, vacationing with Usher, and her former Vegas show. Kimmel decided to ask Perry how long she planned to stay with American Idol.
She shocked everyone when she announced that she thinks this will be her last season. The Idol judge mentioned her plans to perform at Rock in Rio in Brazil. She then hinted that she may be recording a new album and going on tour.
This would take her away from her American Idol duties. She was hesitant to completely confirm her departure because she said this may be her last season. Kimmel called it her farewell season. However, Perry mentioned that she could return as a regular or guest judge.
Perry also mentioned that the original American Idol judges, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell left after Season 7. This may mean that Richie and Bryan may also take a cue from Perry and exit the show after this season.
We will have to wait to see if Perry is the only one exiting after this season or if there will be an entirely new set of judges for a possible Season 8.
Perry also revealed that American Idol 22 will have Perry, Bryan, and Richie going to each other’s hometowns. It should be fun to see them in each other’s elements. Bryan almost buried Perry in peanuts, so we can expect some shenanigans.
Are you sad to see Perry’s departure from American Idol? Who would you like to see replace her?
American Idol Season 22 premieres this Sunday, February 18. Make sure to join us for a live recap and Idol coverage all season.