‘American Idol’ shakeup: Katy Perry leaving after 7 seasons

Katy Perry dropped a bomb on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Monday night. The hit-maker shared the upcoming season of “American Idol” will likely be her last. After seven years sitting next to Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie at the judging panel, Katy told Jimmy Kimmel it was time to “see the world” and confirmed plans to headline the Brazilian music festival “Rock in Rio 2024.”

Seven seasons is a bit sentimental considering that’s the same number of years the original “Idol” trio of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson spent together on FOX. “I love ‘Idol’ so much,” she said. “It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.”

SEE ‘American Idol’: Tori Kelly and Jelly Roll announced as 2024 mentors

When asked how Luke and Lionel feel about this big decision, Katy responds, “Well, they’ll find out tonight!” The three judges have been together since the reality TV singing competition was rebooted by ABC in 2018. The pop superstar didn’t rule out returning one day. “Maybe they’ll have me back,” she teased — just don’t expect to see her in 2025. Season 22 premieres Sunday, February 18 on ABC.

“American Idol” ranked as the No. 1 program in the Sunday 8-10 p.m. time slot last season among Adults 18-49 and its time period for the fourth straight year in the demo. In addition, “American Idol” was ABC’s No. 1 program last season in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49 and was the No. 1 most social reality series across all of television, with nearly 1 billion social video views. The 22nd season of “American Idol,” lucky number seven on ABC, is set to return on February 18.

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