Katy Perry has announced she will leave American Idol after seven seasons.
The Grammy-nominated singer announced her departure on chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live prior to the 22nd season premiere of the competition show.
The Firework hitmaker added that her co-judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, were seemingly unaware of her departure until the show was aired.
“Well, they’ll (Richie and Bryan) find out tonight!” Perry said.
“They know I have some things planned for this year, it’s going to be a very exciting year. I’m creating space for my new wingspan, I love them so much.”
“They figured, I’ve been in the studio for a while, so they figured something is up.”As part of its reboot on US network ABC in 2018, Perry joined American Idol in its 16th season.
Previous judges on the show include Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj.
Here is everything we know about the superstar leaving the hit show.
Why is Katy Perry leaving?
The star told the audience that she was leaving for her own reasons, as she felt she needed to explore new options and “feel that pulse to my own beat”.
She told Kimmel: “I think this will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I love Idol so much, 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.”
When did American Idol start?
There have been a whopping 21 series of the show already in the States and it was launched in 2002.
The first winner was Kelly Clarkson, who has gone from strength to strength since her win. Since she took the crown in 2002, she has blossomed into an actress, author, and TV personality with three Grammys to her name.
Has Katy Perry got new music coming?
Her step back from American Idol has fans excited that she will be releasing new music really soon, and with good reason.
Speaking to Kimmell, she said there “may” be new music in the future but she also wants to explore the world, too.
