Katy Perry is set to leave American Idol this season, and her co-judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, are already getting emotional ahead of her departure. The two musicians also revealed their hilarious plan for the pop star to stay on the reality TV singing competition show.
The three judges recently spoke to People magazine following Monday night's live episode, where voters saved 10 contestants while the rest were left in the danger zone.
By the end of the episode, Richie, Perry, and Bryan were able to pick four contestants to save for them to appear in the next round.
Reflecting on their decision, Bryan said they had no time to discuss it at that moment; they only had a commercial break to figure out what to do next.
Perry interjected and said she had been following the whole time and had already thought about who she was going to save, adding that she had done her "homework."
"Let's just say she's being a little facetious in that role," the country star replied.
Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan Get Emotional Ahead of Katy Perry's Departure
Later, a hint of sadness surrounded the trio. The two other judges seemed emotional as they noted that they would miss Perry once she left the show.
"These are some of the things we're going to miss about Ms. Perry," Richie said, to which Perry replied, "Don't cry for me yet."
READ ALSO: Katy Perry Nearly Goes Topless During 'American Idol' Episode
"But I'm just going to say truthfully, it's those moments when Luke and Katy get together," he added.
The "Teenage Dream" hitmaker noted that even though she's leaving the show, she's adamant that their bickering will continue and that they will keep in touch in their group chat, which they named "The Judgementals."
Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan to 'Kidnap' Katy Perry for Her to Stay
Richie later noted that they had already developed a "little family" on the show and the idea of Perry leaving has not sunk in yet. He then joked that he and Bryan would get together plot to "kidnap her."
All jokes aside, the "Hello" singer noted that it's refreshing to work with Perry and Bryan, even though he has been in the industry for a long time.
American Idol season 22 finale will air on May 19. Katy Perry will still appear in the episodes in the coming weeks. (via Screen Rant)
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