Katy Perry confirms she’s leaving American Idol after 7 seasons and reveals reason for abrupt exit in shock announcement

KATY Perry has confirmed she will leave American Idol after 7 seasons - blindsiding fans with the bombshell news.

The star dished the shock update on Monday night, spilling all on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

"This fall, in September, I'm going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio," she said without warning.

"So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol."

When the crowd gasped, Katy quickly added, "I mean, 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."

But when Kimmel asked what her fellow Idol judges thought of the move, Katy shocked fans further, admitting, “Well, they’ll find out tonight!”

Katy first joined American Idol in 2018 when the show was revived on ABC for its 16th season.

The singer has lasted 7 seasons since, starring alongside fellow music superstars Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Fans were quick to discuss her exit on Monday night, with many speculating what her next project might involve.

"What!!! Seriously," one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"She will definitely be missed," another said.

"As controversial as some of her choices as a judge may have been I'm honestly scared to see who’s gonna take her place," a third wrote.

"New album coming," another suggested.

Katy's time on Idol has not been plain sailing, with many fans calling for her to be fired last year.

The star faced backlash when she was accused of behaving rudely toward contestant Wé Ani after Wé did not receive feedback from her on her performance.

Viewers also accused Katy of being "unprofessional"; and "doing Wé dirty" by looking shocked when she made it through to the top 12.

She was also accused of "leaving out" fellow judge Lionel and for "talking over him."

Idol has since announced a major cast shake-up for Season 22.

Singers Tori Kelly, 31, and Jelly Roll, 39, will now appear on the new season of the TV music competition as guest mentors.

The stars filmed episodes at Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.