Katy Perry Breaks Silence on Carrie Underwood Replacing Her on American Idol
Katy Perry is sharing how she really feels about being replaced by Carrie Underwood on American Idol.
Last year, the "Firework" singer revealed she planned to step away from the reality singing competition after Season 22, telling late night host Jimmy Kimmel during an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!: "I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean, 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."
After much speculation and rumors about who could be taking Perry's place, it was eventually confirmed that Underwood would be filling the empty seat at the judges' table.
Now, a little over a week after the "Before He Cheats" songstress' controversial performance at Donald Trump's second inauguration, the pop star is singing Underwood's praises.
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"She was born on that show. I think she knows how to steer it," Perry, 40, recently told People. "She actually truly knows... What it feels like to be in their shoes. We could only metaphorically feel that as judges."
Perry continued, highlighting what she sees as the biggest benefit of Underwood's unique experience as a former contestant, "As artists, we've been in some sort of their shoes, but she has lived every single day. So I think she's going to have a lot to offer anyone that's willing to listen."
As for what Perry plans to do with her time now that she's not working on Idol, new music has clearly become a priority for her–as has her family and maybe even the sound of wedding bells.
Underwood's debut as an American Idol judge in Season 23 is set to premiere on March 9.