After seven year as a judge, Katy Perry has informed that she’s leaving American Idol.

This is unexpected decision by Perry.

After a multi-year hiatus, ABC rebooted American Idol in 2018. Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie signed up to serve as the judges. They’ve been with the show ever since.

Now, the trio is gearing up for the premiere of Idol‘s newest season on Sunday (February 18). But, it seems this season will be Perry’s last.

Why Is Katy Perry Leaving American Idol?

Perry recently stopped by The Jimmy Kimmel Show to speak about Idol‘s upcoming season. That’s when she revealed her plans to leave the show.

She said:

“I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat…”

So why is Perry leaving Idol now? She told Kimmel she has lots of projects on the horizon that she’d like to focus on, including new music.

What About Luke & Lionel?

Kimmel asked Perry what her fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie think about her decision to leave Idol.

“Well, they’ll find out tonight!” Perry joked. Though she noted that Bryan and Richie were aware she had “some things planned for this year.” They knew she was “in the studio,” and thought that could signal an exit from Idol.

“They figure I’ve been in the studio for a while so they figured something is coming. I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”

When asked who will replace her on the show, Perry didn’t name anyone. Kimmel also asked if she’s open to returning to Idol in the future, and she is.

“Maybe I’ll come back if they’ll have me one day!” she said.

Watch Perry’s full interview with Kimmel in the clip below. It sure will be different without her on American Idol next year!