“American Idol” judge Katy Perry said goodbye to the show after sitting behind the desk with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for seven seasons. Indio California native Abi Carter was crowned the next “American Idol.” Will Moseley was named runner-up, and Jack Blocker finished in third place.
In tonight’s show, Jon Bon Jovi performed and mentored the Top 3 contestants. The Top 12 returned for special performances with the judges, plus guest performers Nick Fradiani, New Kids On The Block, Jason Mraz, Hootie and The Blowfish, Cece Winans, James Bay, Wynonna Judd, Seal, Bishop Briggs and Cody Johnson. The CMA Foundation and ABC also donated $20,000 to each of the finalists’ local music programs. The night also featured an appearance from Idol winner Fantasia who is celebrating her 20th anniversary of her win.
Perry was emotional throughout the three-hour live night as the Top 12 females, Emmy Russell, Kaibrienne Richins, Abi, McKenna Breunholt, Jayna Elise, Julia Gagnon, and Mia Matthews “celebrated” Perry with a medley of her songs, including “Teenage Dream,” “California Gurls,” and “Dark Horse.” Perry sang along to the performance and danced while eating pizza and was bombed with beach balls thrown at her by Luke Bryan.
Later Perry performed her song, “What Makes a Woman,” with Blocker during the finale. Blocker even rewrote a verse of the song. Perry was on a lift as she sang and revealed a flowing skirt that featured all of the Top 24 Idol hopefuls from the past seven seasons. Perry wanted to honor the show and the contestants, including alums who went on to have successful careers. “I cried a lot,” an emotional Perry told TVMusic Network and People after the show. “I don’t know about you but when you cry a lot, I’m like please tuck me in…please tuck me into bed…I’m going to go party with Luke and Lionel. Our group chat is called “The Judgmentals.”
“Tonight was a huge highlight…the hometowns were amazing,” Perry said when asked about her favorite moments from her time on the show. “I’m happy for Abi. It’s been a long time since a female won. Just Sam won but that was during COVID times and also, we know what “American Idol” voters have voted for in the past and it was just refreshing…It just a blessing that this is how I get to go.. I’m super proud that that’s our golden standard now.”
On what advice she would give to the judge that replaces her, Perry would tell them, “Don’t read the comments because you want to just stay authentic and sometimes that’s polarizing. You may not always face it and you’ll make mistakes along the way and you’ll get a couple pies in your face but it’s fine. It’s better to have a couple of pies and still have a lot of authentic moments than to just be boring and obvious and placating the contestants and them not learning anything. I’m excited. I hope whoever it is…they’ve got some shoes to fill, and the viewers will let them know if they’re not filling them, so be authentic.”
Perry, Bryan, and Richie joined Idol in 2018 when ABC revived the Emmy-winning show from FOX. Now in its 23rd season overall, seven on ABC, no announcement has been made on who will fill Perry’s spot. A deal with Richie and Bryan to return has not yet been reached. No matter who gets the job, Perry hopes that they stay true to the show.
Perry will be booked and busy after “Idol” and won’t be taking any time off. In September, she will play the Rock in Rio Music Festival in Brazil and will work on new music. She also will embark on a tour. “I’m excited to visit all the places those kids come from.”
“American Idol” will return in 2025 on ABC.
