After being a judge on American Idol since 2018, Katy Perry has announced that she will be leaving the popular singing competition show to focus on her own music career. The 39-year-old made the announcement during the Season 22 finale in May, stating her reasons for departing the show.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Perry explained her decision, saying, “Well, you know, this fall, this September, I’m going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio. It’s really exciting. It’s a big deal for people all over the world, especially my Brazilian fans. So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol.”

Despite her love for American Idol and the connection she has with the American audience, Perry expressed the need to follow her own musical aspirations. She stated, “I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America. But I need to feel that pulse of my own beat.”