Katy Perry celebrated her seven-year journey as a judge on “American Idol” with two meaningful outfits during the season 22 finale. The 39-year-old singer began the episode in a gold corseted metallic top and a floor-length white skirt, symbolizing her final appearance with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
A standout feature of Perry’s outfit was the gold roses, which she explained on Instagram: “🥀 7 roses for 7 seasons 🥀 143 #idol 🫶🏼.” Later, during an emotional duet with contestant Jack Blocker, Perry wore a structured metallic top and a long skirt adorned with faces of past contestants. She captioned this look on Instagram with, “there it is… 7 years 🥺 #idol.”
The top 12 female contestants of season 22, including winner Abi Carter, performed a medley of Perry’s hits in a tribute. Perry told reporters she wanted to “make a moment” and “pay homage to all the contestants,” adding, “It was just to show how much these kids have really lifted me up.”
In February, Perry announced on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that this would be her last season as a judge. She later told “Good Morning America” the job “healed my heart” and advised her replacement to “keep my seat warm.”