Katy Perry to leave as 'American Idol' judge, teases releasing new music
Pop star Katy Perry, a longtime host of the singing competition American Idol, said she’s leaving the show after seven seasons.
Perry made the announcement on Jimmy Kimmel Live ahead of Season 22’s premiere on Feb. 18. Asked how long she’d stay as an Idol judge, she said she wants to “go see the world.”
“I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol,” said Perry, who’s an Idol judge since 2018.
The 39-year-old singer said she feels the “need to go out” and feel “that pulse to my own beat.”
Still, she expressed openness to returning to hosting duties in the distant future.
“Maybe I'll come back if they have me one day,” she said.
Perry said her co-judges, R&B legend Lionel Richie and country star Luke Combs, know about her plans.
“I’m creating space for my new wingspan,” she said, as she teased about releasing new music. "They figured, I've been in the studio for a while. So they figured something is up."
Perry had her break in the music industry in 2008. She’s known for the hits I Kissed a Girl, Hot N Cold, Teenage Dream, California Gurls, Last Friday Night, Dark Horse, and Roar. Her last studio album was Smile, which was released in 2020.
Perry is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, with over 143 million records sold worldwide. She also won several accolades for her work, including Guinness World Records, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards.