Katy Perry is out! The pop star is leaving American Idol after seven seasons as a judge. Keep reading to find out why Katy Perry is quitting the show.

American Idol is a popular singing competition that follows unknown artists from across the country as they compete for a recording contract and $250,000. The winner is determined by American viewers who can vote for their favorite artists. Created by Simon Fuller, the series originally ran for 15 seasons on FOX before it was canceled in 2016 and revived a few years later by ABC. Some of the biggest names in the music industry have come out of the show, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia Barrino and more.

The original judging panel consisted of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. When the series was rebooted in March 2018, singers Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie were announced as the new judges. The trio have remained on the show for the past seven seasons, but Perry will be saying goodbye following Season 22. So, why is Katy Perry leaving American Idol? We have the answer below.

Why is Katy Perry leaving American Idol?

Perry announced that she was exiting American Idol during a Feb. 12, 2024, appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol,” she revealed. As for why the “Firework” singer is leaving, Perry explained that she loves the show “so much” and it has made her feel “connected with the heart of America,” but noted: “I feel like I need to feel that pulse to my own beat.”

When host Jimmy Kimmel asked how her fellow judges feel about her departure, Perry responded: “Well, they’ll find out tonight.” The songstress hinted that she has “some things planned” for the next year, which Ritchie and Bryan are aware of. “It’s going to be a very exciting year — for all pop star girlies,” she continued. “Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan.”

Kimmel admitted that he was “taken aback” by the news and teased the pop star for not telling Ritchie and Bryan first, but she clarified that they’ve known for awhile. “I’ve been in the studio for awhile so they figure something is up,” she said. “I love the show so much but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”

While Perry is not sure who will replace her, she did point out that the original trio of Cowell, Jackson and Abdul also had seven seasons together before Abdul left in 2009.

Season 22 of American Idol is set to premiere on ABC on Feb. 18, 2024. In addition to Perry, Ritchie and Bryan, longtime host Ryan Seacrest will also return.