Los Angeles, California – Katy Perry bid farewell to the American Idol stage in the Season 22 finale, marking the end of her tenure as a judge in the ABC reality series competition. Alongside fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Perry displayed visible emotions throughout the night, culminating in a tearful goodbye as she announced the winner and performed a heartfelt duet with third-place finalist Jack Blocker.
Perry’s departure from American Idol after joining the show in 2018 with Bryan and Richie leaves a vacant spot on the judges’ panel for Season 23. The trio had been part of the revival of the singing competition on ABC, bringing a fresh perspective and dynamic to the show for several seasons. While Perry did not address the viewers directly on her last day, her emotional response to the performances and the winner announcement reflected the impact of her journey on the show.
The Top 12 contestants paid tribute to Perry by performing a medley of her hit songs, including “Teenage Dream,” “Dark Horse,” and “California Gurls.” The evening was filled with emotional moments as the contestants and judges celebrated Perry’s contributions to the show and bid her a fond farewell. As confetti filled the air and credits rolled, Richie and Bryan offered Perry hugs of support, illustrating the camaraderie among the judges.
Looking ahead, ABC has yet to announce who will fill Perry’s spot on the judges’ panel for the upcoming season. Perry’s emotional response to her final moments on American Idol captured the essence of her journey on the show, as she reflected on the growth of the contestants and the meaningful experiences shared throughout her time as a judge. Despite the tears shed, Perry expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a unique and impactful platform for aspiring artists.