Katy Perry confirmed she stays in touch with her fellow “American Idol” judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, after quitting the show last year.
“I miss them so much,” the “Firework” singer said on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Wednesday. “I do, actually. Hi, Luke! Hi, Lionel!”
When Jimmy Kimmel asked Perry, 40, whether Bryan, 48, and Richie, 75, were “still reaching out” to her, she replied, “Yeah, of course. Of course. All the time.”
That said, the Grammy nominee acknowledged the pair “probably have a new text chain” with Carrie Underwood, who will join the judging panel for the ABC singing competition’s upcoming season.
“I think it’s perfect,” she shared of the “Before He Cheats” singer, 41, being named her replacement.
Perry even went so far as to promote “Idol” despite no longer being on it, telling viewers, “It’s coming out in March, so you gotta watch!”
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The pop star announced on “Kimmel” in February 2024 that she was leaving the series after seven seasons to embark on her “Lifetimes” tour, which kicks off its US leg in May.
The news came on the heels of Perry receiving backlash from some viewers for harshly judging contestants in early 2023, which a source reminded Page Six was simply part of “her job” as “a mentor.”
“Katy isn’t fazed by the backlash,” the insider shared at the time, noting that the “Teenage Dream” performer “has a unique sense of humor that may not always translate well on camera, but she never has any ill intent.”
ABC later revealed that Season 4 winner Underwood, who sang at President Trump’s inauguration earlier this month, will take Perry’s seat.
“As a former ‘Idol’ and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television. This is a full-circle moment,” Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich said in a statement in August 2024.
“American Idol” Season 23 premieres Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
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