Katy Perry Returns As 'American Idol' Season 22 Judge Despite Backlash Over Dramatic Antics

The "American Idol" Season 22 judges have been announced, and we will be seeing Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan on the bench again, with Ryan Seacrest hosting!

Meanwhile, Katy Perry's return as a judge came into question as she got huge flak last season for being the reason for the show's many dramatic moments, including one contestant quitting the show.

'American Idol' Season 22 Judges

Deadline reported that Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will all be returning as "American Idol" Season 22 judges, despite rumors saying that one "mean judge" wouldn't be returning emerged in the past few months.

This is the sixth season of "American Idol" being produced by ABC, which will air in Spring 2024. Meanwhile, "American Idol" Season 22 auditions start on Aug. 2, 2023, as the team shakes the entire nation for their live virtual auditions.

To audition for "American Idol" Season 22, be sure to check out this website for additional information and guidelines on where to catch the "Idol Across America" caravan.

Season 21 saw the triumph of 18-year-old Hawaiian crooner Iam Tongi who stumped the consecutive wins of country music winners of the show. Tongi's win was also riddled with controversy as he has been a fan and judge-favorite since the auditions.

However, Tongi's win wasn't the only controversial thing that happened in "American Idol" Season 21.

Katy Perry on 'American Idol' Season 21

Multi-platinum artist music legend Katy Perry was the subject of many headlines last season primarily because of her mom-shaming comments against contestant Sara Beth Liebe.

Liebe, who looks younger than her age, shocked many during the auditions, especially Perry, after confessing that she is already a mom of five despite only being 25 years old.

Perry sarcastically remarked that Liebe have been "laying on the table too much." Many netizens thought the comment was uncalled for given the fact that Perry is a mother too.

Liebe took to TikTok to express her thoughts about it, and a few days later, she quit on the episode during Hollywood Week.

Backlash for Perry grew big on social media, as well as those who have criticized her for scaring contestants that they would go home during one-on-one announcements. At one point, Perry was also booed by the live audience after saying that contestant Nutsa Buzaladze wore "too much" glitter during a performance.