An exclusive update reveals Katy Perry’s thoughts on Carrie Underwood stepping in as a judge on American Idol following her departure.
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Underwood was officially named as Perry’s successor in August.
Katy Perry is confident that American Idol is in good hands.
After revealing in February 2024 that season 22 would be her final one on the show, fans speculated about her replacement. In August, Carrie Underwood announced she would be stepping in—this time, as a judge.
“She was born on that show. I think she knows how to steer it,” Perry told PEOPLE about the Before He Cheats singer while promoting her Lifetimes Tour.
The Hot N Cold singer, 40, added, “She actually truly knows what it feels like to be in their shoes. We could only metaphorically feel that as judges.”
Underwood, who won American Idol’s fourth season in 2005, will now return to the show two decades later—this time as a judge alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
“As artists, we’ve been in some sort of their shoes, but she has lived every single day,” Perry explained. “So I think she’s going to have a lot to offer anyone that’s willing to listen.”
Perry first revealed her decision to leave the show during a February 2024 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, explaining that it was time to move on and hinting at new music.
“I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol,” she said. “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, you know what I’m saying, Jimmy?”
She added, “I love the show so much, but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”
Shortly after, Lionel Richie, 75, also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and assured fans that he wasn’t upset about Perry’s decision to step away.
Richie shared his thoughts on Perry’s decision, saying, “The reason I love coming on the show with you and the reason I’m doing American Idol is because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things that I’ve done. And so when Katy says, ‘I want to go and create some stories,’ remember, she’s young. But the point is that you have to take some time and actually be an artist.” He added that it “makes sense” for Perry to take time for her own artistic journey.
Meanwhile, in an April 2024 interview on Taste of Country Nights, Bryan, 48, confessed that he had heard “whispers” about Perry’s decision, so it wasn’t a complete surprise.
“It’s been a good run with Katy, and she and I have developed a great friendship working alongside her,” Bryan said.
He also emphasized that he and Perry would remain close even after her departure from Idol. “She knows that no matter what her next endeavors are, she can pick up the phone and call me and check in and say hey,” Bryan explained, joking that she could also reach out for “fishing advice.”