Katy Perry shared that she is exiting the reality-singing competition series American Idol as a judge at the conclusion of Season 2, which officially begin this Sunday, February 18th. Perry has been a judge on American Idol since 2018, alongside Lionel Richie a Luke Bryan.

During her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Perry revealed her upcoming plans and why she is bowing out after the end of this season: “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 … 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.”

Perry later shared that Bryan, 47, and Richie, 74, weren’t aware of her decision. When asked how they felt about her leaving the show, Perry teased: “Well, they’ll find out tonight. They know that I have some things planned for this year.”

Perry also posted the news on Instagram, sharing a post captioned: “Let’s play two truths and a lie: 1. I beat @usher at Monopoly Deal. 2. I’m headlining Rock in Rio this September. 3. This is my last season on @americanidol.”

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