After serving as a judge on ‘American Idol’ since 2018, Katy Perry, 39, riled up the audience last month by announcing her ‘exit’.

When American Idol again made its debut back in 2018, fans were ecstatic to get back acquainted with the singing competition TV series from the early aughts. Fans gathered weekly to witness the debuts of up-and-coming musicians, each with a poignant tale to share. Also, people cherished watching the competitors interact with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie—the ideal trio to guide them on their musical journey.

And now it is hard to imagine a Sunday night without American Idol on our screens, having already completed six seasons (a total of 22). However, things are about to change, as Perry, 39, revealed on February 13 via Jimmy Kimmel Live that she intends to leave the acclaimed show after the last episode of the season later this year.

Katy Perry in Wide Awake music video
Recently, body language expert Judi James claimed that the pop sensation showed “allergic responses” to some competitors who were eager to make it to the next round. Perry seems to have “checked out of her job” this season, James added.

American Idol: Katy Perry’s Subtle Cues Decoded by Body Language Expert

Katy Perry, who has spent the last six seasons in the middle seat at the judges’ table between fellow panelists Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, revealed last month that she would be leaving the talent show business.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on February 13, she disclosed her plans to depart from the program after the latest episode ends later this year. Perry shared the following with Jimmy Kimmel:

“Well, they’ll find out tonight. They know I have some things planned for this year. It’s going to be a very exciting year, Jimmy, for all pop star girlies. Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan.”

Katy Perry | Jimmy Kimmel Live
Although Perry obviously enjoys her role as a judge on the show, body language analyst Judi James told The Sun that the California-born singer seems to have “checked out of her job” this season. James continued by explaining:

“Katy Perry’s body language hit jarring notes. While being authentic, Katy had mild allergic responses to tear-sodden performances. In her impatience, she wanted to see talent, but has checked out. She does not blink at the ceiling or flap her hands over her face. Her voice does not crack with empathetic emotion.”

The way Perry responded to the initial auditions, James continued, “ended in an escalating frustration”. The expert stated that the One of the Boys hitmaker “sat back in her seat wearing an enigmatic blank expression” when contestant Kimi Robinson broke down in tears after taking the stage.

James highlighted the following points as well:

“Her gaze was steady, but propping the chin is often associated with boredom rather than excitement…Katy was also flatlined by the tsunami of emotions in front of her.”

Perry became a part of the show in 2018 and for Season 16. Over the years, she has witnessed a number of other judges come and go. She currently serves as a judge alongside famous singers such as Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie Discussed Katy Perry’s Exit From American Idol

Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan in American Idol
Allegedly, the showrunners were already preparing to fire Katy Perry because, as the source revealed to RadarOnline, she was not an easy judge. Her fellow judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, are reportedly afraid they may lose their jobs on the show, according to another insider report on RadarOnline.

The source claimed that ABC executives want to change things up by replacing all three judges at the end of this season. The source informed the outlet:

“Katy’s departure has them worried this could be the end for them as well. The show’s made them richer than ever. But bosses clearly want to liven things up — and maybe they won’t stop with replacing only Katy.”

Since Perry has been a mainstay on American Idol for such a long time, fans are probably curious as to why she made the unexpected career move. Let’s see what lies ahead for the acclaimed show.

You can watch Season 22 of American Idol on ABC, while Hulu offers streaming for the previous seasons.