Why Did Katy Perry Leave American Idol? Inside the Pop Star's Decision to Exit the Series Ahead of Season 23

Katy Perry has said goodbye to American Idol.

The “Dark Horse” singer announced her departure from the judge's table during a February 2024 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, noting that the 22nd season of the reality singing competition series would be her last. 

“I mean I love Idol so much,” Perry told host Jimmy Kimmel. “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.” 

The news came as a shock to fans, who loved the pop star’s over-the-top themed outfits and how she always encouraged contestants to never give up. Perry joined ABC's revival of American Idol in 2018 along with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — who told PEOPLE in April 2024 that the three of them had become “a little family.”

“I think as it goes on, Luke and I will probably get together and realize that we're going to kidnap her," Richie joked regarding Perry's exit. 

The 13-time Grammy-nominated artist performed “What Makes a Woman” with contestant Jack Blocker during her final episode of American Idol in May 2024. She wore a towering gown that featured the faces of 160 former contestants and later shared photos of the duet on her Instagram with the caption, "There it is... 7 years.” 

The season following her departure premiered on March 9.

So, why did Katy Perry leave American Idol? Here’s everything to know about the pop singer’s decision to leave the competition series and what she’s been up to since. 

Why did Katy Perry leave American Idol?

Perry left American Idol in 2024 because she wanted to focus on other projects she had planned, including some potential new music. 

“I’ve been in the studio for a while so [Richie and Bryan] figured something is coming,” the Teenage Dream singer said on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”

In July 2024, Perry released her single “Woman’s World” from her album 143, which debuted the following September. 

Who is replacing Katy Perry on American Idol?

In August 2024, Good Morning America announced that former American Idol contestant turned country superstar Carrie Underwood would be replacing Perry as a judge. The “Before He Cheats” singer won season 4 of the series in 2005, and told GMA that returning to the show 20 years later feels like coming “home.” 

“There’s so many people that even still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant,” she said in August 2024. “I feel like being on both sides of the coin, hopefully I’ll be able to offer some insight.”

Perry sang Underwood’s praises to PEOPLE in January 2025, saying that she believes the country singer was “born” to be on the show because she knows firsthand what it’s like to be in the contestants’ shoes. 

Who are the judges for American Idol season 23?

Underwood will join Richie and Bryan at the judge’s table for season 23 of American Idol — and the seasoned mentors claimed to have already taught the country star a thing or two. 

“Early in the tapings, Carrie didn’t know that you could start telling the contestants what to sing," Bryan said during a March 2025 appearance on Good Morning America. "So the fun part about that is when you really see something magical in a kid and the other two judges may not, but you can really take ownership of this one particular contestant."

He continued, “It’s been really fun watching her learn stuff like that and we’re just having a blast with the talent. It’s really awesome this year."

When is American Idol coming back?

Season 23 of American Idol will premiere on March 9 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

New episodes will also be available to stream on Hulu. 

What is Katy Perry doing now?

Since her final episode of American Idol aired in May 2024, Perry has been focused on her own music career. She released her seventh studio album in September 2024 and announced her upcoming North American tour in January 2025.

“I will be introducing people to a few new songs, and I'm calling it Lifetimes Tour because I'm celebrating the whole lifetime of songs thus far," Perry told PEOPLE, noting that it will be nothing short of a spectacle.

“There's costume changes, there's acts, there's dancers, there's musicians,” she teased. “I'll fly around the room. There's no bad seat in the house. I'm going to get close to everyone at some point."