Katy Perry will be leaving American Idol after seven seasons as a judge, making her one of the longest-serving judges in the show's history.

While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Katy Perry announced her departure from American Idol after being a judge on the hit singing competition show for seven seasons.
"I need to feel that pulse of my own beat. This September, I'm going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio. It's a really exciting event for people all over the world, especially my Brazilian fans. So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol. I also love American Idol and acknowledge that it's connected to the heart of America."
Katy revealed that her departure from American Idol was not due to a specific announcement or reason, but rather that she was working on a new album and planning a major tour.During her interview on Kimmel, a humorous moment emerged when she was questioned about the reaction of Lionel and Luke to her departure from American Idol. While her co-judges were unaware of the impending announcement, it would have been interesting to know if ABC or executives were equally caught off guard by the revelation. This could have shed light on the planning and preparation that went into finding her replacement for season 22.
American Idol season 22 will premiere on February 18 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, featuring a diverse roster of renowned singers vying for the chance to replace Katy Perry as a judge. While producers might not need to search far, the absence of both Katy and Lionel during season 21 due to their respective engagements with King Charles' coronation presented a temporary obstacle. Nonetheless, the show's popularity and stellar lineup would guarantee an unforgettable season of musical competition and entertainment.