Katy Perry is reportedly considering quitting American Idol after six years on the judging panel after receiving backlash throughout the latest season of the ABC show.
The singer-songwriter, 38, has attracted criticism over comments that she's made to contestants on the most recent season, which concluded on Sunday night (May 21).
This included over a remark she made to Sara Beth Liebe which prompted a 'mum shaming scandal ' and following her feedback to Nutsa Buzaladze on two occasions.
It's now been claimed that Katy wants to quit American Idol, over the fear that she looks like a "nasty judge" and because she doesn't want her career to be "defined" by the show.
According to The Daily Mail, Katy wants to quit over concern that she's been "thrown under the bus by producers" who may have edited her to look like the "nasty judge".
Sources told the outlet that she's tired of dealing with the backlash from viewers, reportedly reaching 'breaking point' after being booed over criticism she's given out.
She was booed by the audience following a performance by Nutsa, 26, last month when Katy questioned her repeated use of glitter. She said: "One thing I personally would like to see from you is not one piece of glitter the next time".
Katy was also reportedly criticised for her feedback on a duet between Nutsa and Carina DeAngelo, 25, earlier in the season. She said it was "underwhelming" and that their "energy was broken".
The source added that the latest season has been tough for Katy, particularly over the 'mum shaming scandal' relating to a comment she made to contestant Sara Beth, 25.
The source said: "Katy feels like [the producers] threw her under the bus. She feels like her comments could have been removed." They didn't specify which comments, though.
The source said that she became aware of the "harsh criticism" she had received, adding that: "Getting booed really upset her." They said she had been trying to "do her job".
Katy is said to have gone into the role hoping to foster young talent, with the source suggesting that her "good intentions" have been "misinterpreted" during the season.
Despite various achievements in her career, the source said, she is now being considered a "nasty reality show judge".
The source claimed that she has been considering her departure from American Idol for some time, adding that the latest season proved "too much" for her to deal with.
Katy – who is reportedly paid $25 million per season – isn't said to be bothered about the money, with the source suggesting that no paycheque is worth the damage to her "legacy".
The source said that the Brit Award winner doesn't want her career "defined" by a talent competition in which she isn't even performing.
It comes following calls for Katy to be replaced amid recent controversy, such as over her comment to contestant Sara Beth during her audition on the ABC show.
After it was revealed that the contestant had three children, Katy got up from the judging panel, promoting Sara Beth to say: "If Katy lays on the table, I think I'm going to pass out".
Katy, seemingly in reference to Sara Beth having three kids, responded: "Honey, you been laying on the table too much!" The remark prompted criticism, including from Sara Beth.
As previously reported, she said in a TikTok video: "[Katy] made a joke that wasn't super kind. [...] It was embarrassing to have that on TV. And it was hurtful and, you know, that's that."
Sara Beth – who later quit the show, reportedly citing that she wanted to be with her children at home – added that "mom-shaming is super lame" and promoted "uplifting other women".
The former contestant, as reported by the Daily Mail, however later commented amid the controversy that she is "not even mad" in a subsequent post on social media.
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