Is Katy Perry Leaving 'American Idol' or Will She Return For Season 22?

May 2024 · 3 minute read

'American Idol' judge and singer Katy Perry allegedly formerly considered leaving the series after fans criticized her. Here's an update.

Source: ABC

For years, Katy Perry faced criticism about her from fans for her harsh comments and opinions on American Idol. But the backlash she received during Season 21 was unprecedented.

The chart-topping pop star was called out several times during the season for her behavior toward certain contestants. Fans called on the network via Twitter to fire the "Wide Awake" crooner for some time.

ABC stayed mum on the topic at the time, but talk persisted that Katy allegedly wanted to exit the show. What's the update on her status with American Idol as of Season 22? Details ahead.

Source: ABC

Katy Perry is returning for Season 22 of 'American Idol'.

In an Instagram post shared in late July 2023, the show confirmed that the pop star would be back in her judge's seat for the upcoming season (which is also Season 7 for ABC).

"Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will return as American Idol judges along with host Ryan Seacrest for Season 7. Audition NOW!" the post read.

Some fans were not happy, with many taking to the comments section of the post to show their displeasure with the decision. "Break the contract with Katy Perry please," one such person demanded.

To be fair, many commenters support the choice to bring Katy back, with one such fan urging the star not to listen to negative feedback.

Katy Perry allegedly considered leaving 'American Idol'.

According to an insider who spoke with Daily Mail, the criticism during Season 21 hit Katy hard.

The source told the outlet: "Katy feels like [the producers] threw her under the bus," adding that "getting booed really upset her."

The source continued, "'She has accomplished so much in her career and is now being looked at as a nasty reality show judge."

Source: Getty Images

During Season 21, Katy first made headlines for a comment she made during a contestant's audition.

Sara Beth Liebe, a mom of three, revealed during her audition that she had all of her children before turning 25. After hearing that, Katy claimed that Sara Beth had "been laying on the table too much," a comment that did not go over well with viewers at home.

Boo to Katy Perry for mom shaming Sara Beth. Insinuating that she has been “laying on the table too much” to have 3 kids by age 25. A young mother following a dream while raising her children should be raised up not put down. #AmericanIdol

— Carol Majewski (@ceefreeski) March 6, 2023

Katy was also chided for critiquing contestant Nutsa Buzaladze's outfit instead of her performance. “Listen, one thing that I would like to see from you is not one piece of glitter the next time. I know that is going to be hard," she said, which resulted in her getting booed by the audience during a live episode.

It’s pretty rich of @katyperry telling Nutsa that she glitter-bombs the stage every performance. Girl don’t you sing to a giant 💩 in a toilet in Vegas?

— Demi | Sex Writer & Educator 🟦 (@DemitriWylde) April 20, 2023

Meanwhile, Katy has been a judge on American Idol since Season 16 in 2018. She's not going anywhere for now, but who knows what the future will bring.

We'll have to wait to see how outspoken Katy is during Season 22. Will she put her foot in her mouth? Will she tone down her comments following fan criticism? Will she end up getting booed again?

We'll be watching when American Idol premieres in the spring of 2024.

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