Katy Perry turned on the waterworks during the American Idol Season 22 finale as her reign as a judge on the singing showdown took a bow.
The 39-year-old pop diva initially looked a bit miffed but soon found herself sobbing as Abi Carter snagged the crown on Sunday, May 19.
Perry, who joined the judging panel in 2018 with country crooner Luke Bryan and music legend Lionel Richie, let the tears flow freely. She was all hugs and sniffles during Carter’s heart-wrenching performance of “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish.
For those who missed it, earlier this year the “One of the Boys” hitmaker dropped a bombshell on Jimmy Kimmel Live, announcing her grand exit from American Idol after a seven-season stretch.
“I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol,” Perry revealed, hinting at mysterious projects brewing in her creative cauldron, including some fresh tunes expected to drop in 2024.
“I mean, I love Idol so much,” she gushed. “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 with a playful wink, leaving Kimmel and the audience in stitches.
🚨🚨Spoiler Alert 🚨🚨
Katy Perry gets emotional during the final moments of the #AmericanIdol Season 22 finale pic.twitter.com/o1K1famDG0
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) May 20, 2024