Katy Perry has announced that she is leaving American Idol after 7 years of being a judge on the music competition. Perry has been an integral part of the show since 2018 and the pop star seems excited about the prospect of change. So what does the singer have in store for the future? And what made her decide to quit the show?
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Katy Perry’s Idol exit
In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Perry casually announced that season 22 of American Idol would be her last. She said:
I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean, I love Idol so much. I know. 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. You know what I'm saying, Jimmy?
The singer was eager to experience the coming year as she discussed potential plans. She insinuated:
It's going to be a very, very exciting year, Jimmy, for all pop star girlies. Let's just say I'm creating space for my new wingspan.
Jimmy Kimmel was visibly shocked by the news but Perry continued explaining that she had been in the studio and wanted to go and see the world and maybe bring new music. Kimmel also asked the singer about what her fellow judges thought about her decision to depart the show. Perry quickly exclaimed:
Well, they'll find out tonight
I've been in the studio for a while so they figured something is up.
Perry's exit is not officially confirmed by ABC, and when Kimmel attempted to close the interview by restating that this was going to be Perry's 'farewell season' on Idol, she was hesitant to commit to that replying:
I think so
Yes, it will.
Katy Perry’s previous strategic move
Just last September, it was announced that Katy Perry sold her music catalogue rights to Litmus Music for a whopping $225 million. The deal includes Perry’s share of master recordings and publishing rights for the five albums she released between 2008 and 2020: One of the Boys, Teenage Dream, Prism, Witness and Smile. Furthermore, Perry also put an end to the Las Vegas residency that she had been doing since 2021.
It looks like her American Idol exit is part of an interesting line of decision-making by the pop star who seems genuinely excited to embark on a new chapter of her career as an established legacy act with a long track record of proven successes and a newfound creative direction backed by financial freedom.
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Sources:
BBC: Katy Perry to leave American Idol after seven seasons
CBS: Katy Perry reveals she is leaving "American Idol" after upcoming season
USA Today: Katy Perry is leaving 'American Idol' amid 'very exciting year'
Variety: Katy Perry Sells Catalog Rights to Litmus Music for $225 Million
