Renowned singer Katy Perry surprised the audience of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Monday night when she dropped a bombshell announcement. The 39-year-old revealed that this will be her last season serving as a judge on the popular reality competition show “American Idol”.
The shocking revelation came as a response to Kimmel’s question on how much longer she plans to host the show. Perry initially diverted the question by talking about a music festival she will be headlining in Brazil this September called Rock in Rio. However, the singer then dropped the bomb, saying “So I think this will probably be my last season for ‘Idol’.”
The audience gasped in shock and even Kimmel himself seemed taken aback by the news. Perry went on to explain her decision, stating, “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.”
The “Roar” singer has been a judge on “Idol” since its revival in 2018 and has been a fan-favorite during her time on the show. Alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Perry has brought her signature charisma and personality to the judging panel.
Perry confirmed her announcement with an Instagram post which read, “Let’s play two truths and a lie: 1. I beat @usher at Monopoly Deal. 2. I’m headlining Rock in Rio this September. 3. This is my last season on @americanidol.”
The news of Perry’s departure has left fans and fellow judges in a state of shock. The singer admitted that her co-stars were unaware of her decision and would find out about it during the show’s airing. She even joked that she might be fired for revealing the news too soon.
Perry’s time as a judge on “Idol” has not been without controversy. Last March, the singer faced backlash for comments she made towards a contestant who shared that she was a young mother of three. Perry responded with a joke which was deemed as mom-shaming by many viewers.
In a statement, contestant Sara Beth Liebe shared her disappointment, saying, “I think that mom-shaming is super lame and I think that it’s hard enough to be a mom and it’s hard enough to be a woman.”
This is not the first time Perry’s comments on the show have landed her in hot water. In 2018, the singer sparked criticism for a kiss she gave to a male contestant without his consent. The incident sparked a national conversation on consent and appropriate behavior.
Despite the controversies, Perry has been a beloved and valuable addition to the show. Her departure will undoubtedly leave a void on the judging panel and in the hearts of fans.
“American Idol” has been a staple in the reality TV landscape for over 18 years. The show, which launched the careers of artists like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, has seen its fair share of celebrity judges come and go. However, Perry’s departure marks the end of an era for the show.
Fans of “Idol” will surely miss Perry’s presence and unique judging style. Her departure will bring new opportunities for the show and for Perry herself, as she continues to make her mark on the music industry.
