Katy Perry, ‘American Idol’s Most Controversial Judge, Announces Her Exit From The Show

American Idol‘s most controversial judge, Katy Perry, has announced her departure from the show, saying that the current season will be her last.

In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night (Feb. 12), Perry told host Jimmy Kimmel that she’s planning to leave the singing competition series so she can “go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”

“I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol,” she said. “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, you what I’m saying, Jimmy?”

“I have some things planned for this year, so it’s going to be a very, very exciting year,” she added, noting that she’s already planning to perform at a festival in Brazil in September.

She also said, “I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”

As for whether or not this news will come as a surprise to her co-judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Perry said they were aware of her desire to get back to singing.

“They know… They figure I’ve been in the studio for a while so they figured something is coming,” she said.

There’s no word yet as to who will replace Perry, whose time at the show has been full of minor controversies, including fan criticism of the way she treated contestants and her playful on-set behavior. Rumors that she planned to leave the show began last year, with reports that Perry felt like she was being pegged as the show’s “nasty judge.”

She agreed to come back for Season 22, which premieres on ABC on Sunday, Feb. 18, but she doesn’t have any idea who will replace her on future seasons. “Let’s just say I’m creating space for my new wingspan,” she said.

American Idol premieres on ABC on Sunday, February 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.