Katy Perrys Final Moment On American Idol Is A Crying Feel-Fest

The singer of Firework released the waterworks Sunday during her final appearance as a judge on American Idol . (Watch the video below.)

Katy Perry welled up numerous times in the finale but reportedly did not address the audience directly in her farewell episode.

Perhaps that was to avoid stealing the thunder of this seasons winner , Abi Carter. But Perrys emotion at the last minute said it all.

As Carter performed a victory lap song, What Was I Made For? the camera cut to Perrys face. Then the confetti fell as did more tears from the longtime panelist, whose moments at the judges table often became news over the years.

Perry and fellow judge Lionel Richie hugged, and panelist Luke Bryan joined them as they put their arms around each other while the credits rolled.

The trio had been a team since 2018, when the show jumped from Fox to ABC. But no longer.

Thank you to Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and the always incredible Katy Perry, host Ryan Seacrest said.

Spoiler Alert

Katy Perry gets emotional during the final moments of the #AmericanIdol Season 22 finale pic.twitter.com/o1K1famDG0

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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

On X, Perry wrote, there it is ... 7 years , with a sad-faced emoji.

She also took time to pun as well. A pizza my heart will always be on the #idol stage, she quipped with a video of her throwing a pepperoni slice into the crowd.

The pop star, who announced her departure from Idol on Jimmy Kimmel Live in February, knew she would be overcome when the actual moment arrived.

I think I will be crying at anything, Perry told KABC before the final show. Its been a beautiful journey, and I love watching these kids grow and becoming this big beautiful patchwork quilt.

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ABC has not announced Perrys replacement but she recently gave the network a suggestion: Jelly Roll.