Abi Carter has been crowned the winner of Season 22 of American Idol, capturing the hearts of viewers and judges alike with her stunning performances. The finale was a night to remember, filled with exceptional talent and emotional moments.
During the finale, Katy Perry hinted at her departure from the show, revealing that her fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, were unaware of her decision. “Well, they’ll find out tonight,” Perry said, adding that American Idol would always hold a special place in her heart. “I love the show so much,” she shared. “But I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music. Maybe I’ll come back if they’ll have me one day.”
Lionel Richie, 74, expressed his understanding of Perry’s decision on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “I’m not mad,” he said. “It just made me run off the road when I first heard about it. My phone blew up.” Richie noted that Perry’s departure made sense, given her desire to pursue other opportunities. “When Katy says, ‘I want to go and create some stories,’ remember, she’s young,” Richie explained. “The point is that you have to take some time and be an artist.”
Luke Bryan, 47, mentioned to Taste of Country that he had heard whispers about Perry considering leaving, so the news did not come as a “huge shock.” He emphasized the strong friendship they had developed over the years, saying they had “a good run” judging together.
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American Idol has yet to announce Perry’s replacement, but Richie pointed out that her successor would have big shoes to fill. “Whoever’s coming on the show has got to be humorous forever and, on top of that, knowledgeable,” he concluded. As for the winner, Abi Carter’s triumph marks a new chapter in American Idol’s legacy, showcasing the show’s ability to discover and nurture incredible talent.