Carrie Underwood replaced Katy as a judge on ‘American Idol,’ but some fans miss the ‘Teenage Dream’ hitmaker. Find out why Katy left the show in 2024.

Katy Perry announced in February 2024 that she was leaving ‘American Idol’ after her seven-season run as a judge

Katy Perry served as a judge on American Idol for seven seasons before departing the show following Season 22 in 2024. She announced her plans before the season began, revealing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that it was going to be her “last season” as a judge.

American Idol returned to ABC on Sunday for its 23rd season, with former champion Carrie Underwood joining the judging panel in place of Katy Perry.

When Katy Perry announced her departure from "American Idol," Carrie Underwood was the obvious pick to join the judging panel, according to showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, saying "all roads led to Carrie.