American Idol star Katy Perry is leaving to pursue a new career in music. On Sunday, February 18, American Idol will premiere on ABC. This will be the 22nd season of the show overall, and Perry’s seventh and last season as a judge.
Perry made the announcement during her Monday night (February 12) visit on Jimmy Kimmel Live, during which she also expressed her appreciation for the show, her wish to travel, and maybe even the release of new music.
Katy Perry Announces Departure From American Idol Show
Alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Perry has been a judge on ABC since its comeback in 2018.
Katy Perry said, “I think this next season of Idol will probably be my last.” Even while I value my experience on Idol and the link it has given me to the spirit of America, I feel compelled to march to the beat of my own drum and experience life beyond the confines of the show.”
Perry sees her September appearance at the Rock In Rio festival in Brazil as a huge opportunity, and she is excited about it. It’s really exhilarating. “It’s incredibly thrilling. A monumental moment,” she expressed regarding her inclusion in the festival lineup.
By stepping away from her regular role on Idol, Perry sees it as an opportunity to embrace new opportunities and artistic endeavors. “Let’s just say I’m making room for my creative evolution,” she remarked.
Katy Perry’s artistic pursuits extend beyond her television work. Litmus Music, a catalog rights company financed by Carlyle Group LP, has bought the rights to five of her Capitol Records studio albums, including the Grammy-nominated Teenage Dream.
According to Billboard, Litmus paid $225 million for Perry’s share of the master recording royalties and music publishing rights to these albums, which were released between 2008 and 2020.