‘American Idol’: Katy Perry Gets Emotional as She Bids Farewell After 7 Seasons

Later in the episode, viewers were treated to a highlight package of Perry’s time on the show, many of the clips focusing on her close friendships with Bryan, Richie, and Seacrest.

“We have so many memories,” Seacrest said after the segment aired. “Are you sure you want to leave us?”

A choked-up Perry couldn’t say anything, simply shaking her head.

Perry later took to the stage for her duet with finalist Jack Blocker, where they performed a reworked version of her hit 2020 song “What Makes a Woman.” Fans also noticed that during the performance, Perry wore a dress that featured the faces of former Idol contestants she’d worked with during her time on the show.

The Top 12 women of this season also added to the Perry tributes, performing a medley of the singer’s biggest hits, including “Teenage Dream,” “Dark Horse,” and “California Gurls.”

After fans voted Abi Carter the winner of Season 22, Perry could no longer hold back the tears as she watched Carter perform. As the credits rolled and confetti fell, Richie could be seen giving Perry a hug.

Perry had anticipated the teary finale, telling KABC ahead of the episode, “I think I will be crying at anything. It’s been a beautiful journey and I love watching these kids grow and becoming this big beautiful patchwork quilt.”

The Grammy-nominated singer joined Idol in 2018 alongside Bryan and Richie. She announced she would be leaving the show during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! back in February. ABC has not yet announced who will take over Perry’s spot for Season 23.

Check out some of the fan reaction to Perry’s last episode below.