Katy Perry turned seven years old American Idol ran around in style on Sunday night (May 19), singing, jumping on tables and throwing pizza off the stage during the three-hour season 22 finale. While the episode was ostensibly meant to crown this year's winner — which it did, spoiler-y alert, to singer Abi Carter – it was also a night to celebrate Perry, who announced earlier this year that she would be leaving the series after serving alongside Lionel Richie. and Luke Bryan since the show moved to ABC in 2018.
In a testament to Perry's no-nonsense attitude, Idol pulled a clip pack in the middle of Sunday's show featuring moments from her often wild and wacky run. From Brian terrorizing his partner early on to Perrie visiting Luke's farm for a corn science lesson, crying with the contestants, modeling an array of increasingly outrageous outfits and getting ice cream shoved in her face by her cohorts , Perry looked happy and emotional as the final hour drew to a close.
Just before the final votes were read, Perry, 39, took the stage one last time to perform “What Makes a Woman” from her album 2020 Smile with finalist Jack Blocker. Initially seated wearing what appeared to be a metallic bustier, Perry began to stand up as Blocker sang the second verse, revealing an elaborate gown plastered with the faces of Idol contestants who appeared on the show during her run. Soaring high above the stage as paper butterflies rained down around her, Perry's dress was the perfect enduring image of the singer's sweet embrace. Idol time.
“143, I love you,” Perry said as she held her hands up with her heart. Later in the show, as Katy ate a slice of pizza, the Top 12 women performed a medley of Perry songs, including “Teenage Dream,” “Dark Horse” and “California Gurls.” The show ended with Perry jumping to her feet and climbing onto the judge's desk to flex her arms as Bryan threw beach balls at her.
With the sand running out after Carter's coronation, Perry let the tears flow freely as this year's winner sang Billie Eilish's Oscar-winning “What Was I Made For?” to close out season 22's golden season, with Richie sharing one last, big hug with Katy as confetti rained down around them.
Idol has been renewed for a 23rd season, but at press time Perry's replacement had not yet been announced.
Check out images from Perry's last night below.
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