The season 22 finale of American Idol aired on May 19 and crowned Abi Carter as the winner. She performed her original song “This Isn’t Over” and then sang Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” after being announced as the victor. Will Moseley finished in second place, while Jack Blocker came in third. The finale also marked Katy Perry’s last episode as a judge after seven seasons. Perry announced her decision to leave the show in February to focus on recording new music. Despite leaving, she expressed her love for American Idol and hinted at a possible return in the future.
Perry revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live that Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were not aware of her decision to leave the show. She mentioned that she had some plans for the year and wanted to go out and feel the pulse to her own beat. Perry emphasized the special connection she had with the show and the heart of America. Richie supported Perry’s decision to pursue other opportunities, stating that she had to take some time to be an artist. He emphasized the wealth of experience and stories that he and Perry brought to the show as judges in the music industry.
Richie spoke about Perry’s departure from the show on Jimmy Kimmel Live, expressing his initial surprise upon hearing the news. He noted that they had a great run judging alongside each other and developed a strong friendship over the years. While American Idol has not named a replacement for Perry, Richie emphasized that whoever fills her shoes will need to be humorous, knowledgeable, and able to match up to Perry’s qualities as a judge. Bryan shared that he had heard rumors about Perry’s possible departure and highlighted the strong friendship they had developed while judging together on the show.
As the season 22 finale of American Idol concluded, Abi Carter emerged as the winner, with a heartfelt performance that secured her victory. The announcement marked the end of Katy Perry’s tenure as a judge on the show after seven seasons. Despite Perry’s departure, she hinted at a potential return in the future and expressed her love for the show. Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, her fellow judges, supported her decision to pursue new opportunities and acknowledged her impact on the show. While a replacement for Perry has yet to be named, the judges reflected on their time working together and the bond they had formed on American Idol.
