Luke Bryan Says Katy Perry’s ‘American Idol’ Exit Wasn’t a “Huge Shock”

In a new interview, Luke Bryan confirmed he had an inkling Katy Perry would be leaving American Idol this year.

While appearing on a recent edition of the syndicated radio show Taste of Country Nights, Bryan said, “I had heard whispers that she was thinking about it, it wasn’t like a huge shock.”

More from The Hollywood Reporter

• Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Camila Cabello Sign Open Letter Warning About AI Threat to Artists

• 'Bachelor' Meets 'American Idol' as Juan Pablo Galavis' Daughter Auditions for the Judges

• Katy Perry to Be Honored at 35th Annual Colleagues Spring Luncheon for Firework Foundation Efforts

Referring to Perry announcing her plans to leave Idol on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this year, the country star added, “I think she kinda just got caught up in the moment with Kimmel and maybe announced that she was done.”

Looking back at working alongside Perry, the “Play It Again” singer shared, “It’s been a good run with Katy, and she and I have developed a great friendship. And to work alongside her, I mean, heck, I was there before her daughter was born, and now her daughter is 3 or 4 years old.”

He added, “Just seeing her be a mother through this whole process … I mean, it’s just really been fun getting to know Katy.”

Bryan also noted that while he won’t be working alongside the pop star anymore, he hopes their friendship can remain strong. “She knows that no matter what her next endeavors are, that she can pick up the phone and call me and check in and say hey,” he said.

Perry joined American Idol for season 16 in 2018, but first appeared on the show as a guest judge during season nine.

Back in February, Perry announced the current 22nd season of American Idol will likely be her last, revealing that she has a busy year ahead as she gears up to release her upcoming album. “I think this probably will be my last season for Idol,” Perry said at the time. “I mean, I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to feel that pulse to my own beat.”

When asked by Kimmel what Bryan and fellow judge Lionel Richie thought about her decision to leave the show, Perry said, “Well, they’ll find out tonight.”

“They know,” she added. “I’ve been in the studio for a while, so they figured something is up.”

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

• A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise

• 'Star Wars': 16 Animated Characters Who Made the Leap to Live-Action

• Power Showrunners: Hollywood’s 50-ish Most Influential Writer-Producers of 2023