As American Idol prepares to crown its Season 22 champion, Katy Perry has hinted that her final moments on the show will be tearful. The judge, who’s stepping away after the grand finale this Sunday, shared her emotions in a chat with KABC. “I’ll probably be crying over everything,” she said. “It’s been an incredible ride—watching these talented kids blossom and come together like a vibrant, colorful quilt has been so special.”
Perry’s exit after seven years on the ABC series is also tugging at the heartstrings of her fellow judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Richie admitted it’s bittersweet, saying, “Her leaving is going to hit hard—it’s sad, but oh, what a presence she’s got. She’s got this incredible energy, no joke intended.” Bryan echoed the sentiment, noting, “It’s going to be a tough one. Katy, Lionel, and I have become really tight over the years. That last night’s going to bring some big feelings.”
Host Ryan Seacrest teased that Perry’s final performance will be a standout moment, calling it “pretty meaningful” since it’ll mark her goodbye. The trio of Perry, Bryan, and Richie first teamed up in 2018 when ABC brought the competition back to life after its 15-year run on Fox. They’ve been a steady presence since Season 16, but now Perry’s departure leaves an open seat for Season 23, with no word yet from ABC on who might fill it.
This season’s finalists—Jack Blocker, Abi Carter, and Will Moseley—are gearing up to battle it out for the title.
