ABC
Katy Perry got a sweet sendoff on the TV show she’s been on for 7 years — with “American Idol” paying tribute to her by having the remaining contestants sing a bunch of her songs.
The pop star showed up on ‘Idol’ Sunday night for the season finale … and before they announced the winner (Abi Carter), Ryan Seacrest and co. gave KP her own special moment in the broadcast … and of course, it included music.
The ‘Idol’ producers brought back the Top 12 girls — several of whom had already been eliminated, but only appeared for this highlight — to belt out a medley of Katy’s biggest songs … including “Teenage Dream,” “Dark Horse” and “California Girls.”
As you can imagine … it made for an awesome performance — both in-person and on TV — with all the ladies harmonizing as they hop-scotched their way through Katy’s most iconic hits.
Katy herself looked on from the judge’s table … and once the tribute wrapped, she gave a big round of applause — and even hopped up on the table itself to show her approval.
2/12/24
ABC
It was a fitting farewell for Katy — who’s been with the show since 2018, when ‘Idol’ was revived at ABC … this after being on FOX for years. Her, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were the new trio of judges … replacing Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
Katy’s been a bit polarizing at times … kinda serving as the tough-love judge. But, she’s been crucial in the new wave of ‘Idol’ success — which is why her sudden departure was shocking.
As we reported … Katy announced her departure earlier this year, suggesting she wanted to get back into music of her own full-time, news she seemed to drop without a heads up to Lionel or Luke.
Now, in terms of who’ll replace her, Katy has name-dropped Jelly Roll, and he seems game.
It’s the end of an era … and it’s been a helluva run for KP. Thanks for the memories!