Katy Perry Leaving 'American Idol' After 7 Seasons: “I Need To Feel That Pulse Of My Own Beat'
Katy Perry is leaving ABC's hit TV singing competition 'American Idol' after seven seasons as a judge. On Monday night, Perry, 39, was a guest on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' when she announced her departure, saying the 22nd season will be her last. When Kimmel, 56, asked Perry about her future on the series, she broke the news of her participation in the fall music festival "Rock in Rio," saying it's a big deal for her Brazilian fans and that she will likely exit from 'Idol' in the process. RELATED: Katy Perry Reveals How Hands-On She Is With Raising Her Daughter Daisy Dove Bloom
"I love 'Idol' so much," she began. "It's connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse. That pulse to my own beat."
The "Firework" songstress said the judges knew she had some things planned for the year, saying it's going to be an exciting year for "all pop-star girlies."
When asked if someone would step into her spot after her exit, she replied, "Let's just say, I'm creating space for my new wingspan."
The multi-platinum selling artist played "Two Truths and a Lie" with her Instagram followers secretly revealing her plans yet leaving some mystery for her fans to investigate.
"She's up to something," one user commented.
"WE WANT AN ALBUM AND A TOUR DONT PLAY W ME KATHERINE HUDSON," another said.
"Wait the butterflies....this might be her album coming," another user contemplated.
According to 'The New York Post,' Perry expressed a strong desire to quit 'Idol' after six years, claiming producers threw her under the bus, editing her to be portrayed as the "nasty" judge.
An inside source says the straw that broke the camel's back was the audience booing Perry after she criticized a contestant's glittery outfit, claiming the crowd's reaction "really upset her."
"For her, it is starting to be more of a legacy issue," the source claimed. "She does not want her career defined by a talent competition show where she isn't even performing."
