Luke Bryan Says It 'Wasn't a Huge Shock' to Find Out Katy Perry Is Leaving American Idol

Luke Bryan is weighing in on Katy Perry's departure from American Idol.

In a recent interview with the radio show Taste of Country Nights, the country music star admitted that it wasn't "a huge shock" to hear that his colleague on the reality show's judging panel was leaving. Although it'll be a big change on the show — considering Perry's been a part of it for seven seasons – Bryan had nothing but positive things to say about the pop star's next steps.

The CMA Award winner explained that he already had a feeling Perry, 39, was ready to leave the ABC series before she officially announced her decision during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in February.

Bryan, 47, admitted, "I had heard whispers that she was thinking about it — it wasn't like a huge shock."

"I think she kinda just got caught up in the moment with Kimmel and maybe announced that she was done," the "Country Girl" singer added.

Bryan also took the opportunity to reflect on how great it has been to work with the "Teenage Dream" singer since she joined American Idol in 2018 for season 16. He shared, "It's been a good run with Katy, and she and I have developed a great friendship and to work alongside her."

"I mean, heck, I was there before her daughter was born, and now her daughter is [3 years] old," the hitmaker added of Perry and her fiancé Orlando Bloom's daughter Daisy Dove, whom they welcomed in August 2020. "Just seeing her be a mother through this whole process. I mean it's just really been fun getting to know Katy."

The singer-songwriter also noted that he and Perry plan to stay in touch after season 22 of Idol is over. "She knows that no matter what her next endeavors are, that she can pick up the phone and call me and check in and say hey," Bryan noted, joking that she can even come to him for "fishing advice."

Bryan revealed to Taste of Country Nights that the Grammy-nominated pop singer's choice to depart the reality show has "not really" impacted how long he'll remain a part of the judging team.

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The "Buy Dirt" singer explained that it's simply "a year commitment" and they negotiate every season. "When we start getting into the later stages of Idol, we'll start deciding whether we come back or not, and that's how we have done it for seven years," the country music star said.

When Perry first announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live that she was leaving Idol once season 22 wraps, she shared that she felt as if it was her time to move on and teased that new music was on the way.

She confirmed to the talk show host, 56, “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, you what I’m saying Jimmy?"

The hitmaker explained that Bryan and their co-judge Lionel Richie knew she had been working in the studio, "so they figured something is coming."

"I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music," Perry said, revealing that she has a "very, very exciting" year ahead following Idol.

Shortly after Perry announced the news, Richie, 74, also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and shared that he's "not mad" about the "Roar" singer's decision.

The R&B legend said that he thinks "it makes sense."

He explained, "The reason I love coming on the show with you and the reason I’m doing American Idol is because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things that I’ve done. And so when Katy says, ‘I want to go and create some stories,' remember, she’s young. But the point is that you have to take some time and actually be an artist."

American Idol returned for its 22nd season on Sunday, Feb. 18. The show, which has currently whittled down its competition of aspiring artists to the top 24, will run until Sunday, May 19.

American Idol airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.