Katy Perry Names the 'Best Singer of Our Generation': 'I Don't Say That Lightly'

Katy Perry has been in the industry for a long time so she possesses a keen eye for remarkable musical talent. 

On Sunday, May 19, Perry graced the red carpet event after the American Idol Season 22 finale and spoke with Extra during a quick interview. She showered winner Abi Carter with compliments while also praising Ariana Grande.

"I think she was authentic, I think she was humble, I think she was singing with an angelic frequency," she said of Carter. "The way that she sang from the heart and the cry and the crackle, it was just like, whoa. This is a whole 'nother voice. The voice is unlike anything I've heard in pop music."

The 39-year-old former judge added, "The last time I said that, I said that about Ariana Grande when she went on The Ellen [DeGeneres] Show. I was like, 'Oh this girl is the best singer of our generation.' So, I don't say that lightly."

Grande has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show several times and performed some of her hit songs, including "Breathin."

Perry also quipped about her next album, saying she's "pregnant" with it. The material will follow up her 2020 Smile.

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She officially bid goodbye to American Idol on Sunday by singing, jumping and tossing pizza. Before the final votes were confirmed, she performed "What Makes a Woman" with finalist Jack Blocker.

"My parting words are thank you America. I know sometimes I put my foot in my mouth, sometimes I'm a little polarizing. Sometimes I just shoot from the hip. But I love you and I learned and I grew and, what I really do is shoot from the heart," Perry said when she delivered her parting message.

"It's been an amazing journey, all seven seasons, thank you for inviting me into your homes, letting your kids watch even though you were probably a little nervous with it being me," she continued. "I love America and I'm so excited to go back out to all of America to tour one of these days soon."

Perry assured fans that, while she will focus on her music career, it would not be the last time they would see her.

READ MORE: Katy Perry Names Perfect Singer to Replace Her as 'American Idol' Judge