Katy Perry has announced she will leave American Idol after seven seasons, as she needs to "feel that pulse to my own beat".
Perry announced her departure on the chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live! before the 22nd season premiere of the music competition series.
The Grammy-nominated singer told Kimmel: "I think this will be my last show, my last season for Idol.
"I love Idol so much, it's connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat."
She added that her co-judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, were seemingly unaware of her departure until the show was aired.
"Well, they'll (Richie and Bryan) find out tonight!" Perry said.
"They know I have some things planned for this year; it's going to be a very exciting year.
"I'm creating space for my new wingspan; I love them so much.
"They figured... I've been in the studio for a while, so they figured something is up."
As part of American Idol's reboot on the US network ABC in 2018, Perry joined the show in its 16th season.
Previous judges on the show include Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj.
The California Gurls singer said there "may" be new music in the future, as she wants to explore the world.
Perry is married to actor Orlando Bloom after divorcing her ex-husband Russell Brand in 2012.
Source: Press Association
