Katy Perry cries as she leaves American Idol after seven seasons
Pop star had been a judge on long-running singing competition since 2018
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.American Idol bid a fond farewell to Katy Perry on Sunday, as the singer made her final appearance on the show after six years.
The “Firework” vocalist exited the long-running singing competition on Sunday’s season finale (19 May).
Alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Combs, Perry, 39, had been a judge since 2018 when the series was revived by ABC after a two-year hiatus.
After announcing her planned departure in February, Perry entered her final show hand-in-hand with Richie, 74, and Bryan, 47, and appeared emotional when she saw presenter Ryan Seacrest.
In tribute to Perry’s time on the show, the women of this season’s top 12 came together for a medley of some of her most famous songs: “Teenage Dream”, “Dark Horse” and “California Gurls”.
At the start of the performance, Perry was shown enjoying the tribute while enjoying a pizza slice. When the finalists finished their dedication to the singer, an elated Perry climbed on top of the judges’ desk and roared with delight, lifting her arms in a weight-lifting motion.
Perry later took to the stage for a performance of her own, duetting her song “What Makes a Woman” with third-place finalist Jake Blocker.
Later in the show, when season 22 winner Abi Carter gave a victory performance of Billie Eilish’s gentle ballad “What Was I Made For”, Perry was seen shedding tears as she watched.
As the credits began to roll, Bryan and Richie embraced Perry. However, the “ET” star did not directly address the audience with a speech to acknowledge her exit on the night.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Ahead of the finale, Perry predicted that she would be “crying at anything” throughout her final episode.
“I think I will be crying at anything,” Perry said in an interview posted by KABC. “It’s been a beautiful journey and I love watching these kids grow and becoming this big beautiful patchwork quilt.”
Perry announced her departure during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and admitted that she hadn’t told her fellow judges of her plans prior to sharing them with the world.
Her exit marks the first time that the judging lineup of the show has changed since Perry, Richie and Bryan came on board in 2018.
Previous iterations of the show have included figures such as Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr on the judging panel.
As of yet, ABC has not announced Perry’s replacement.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments