Katy Perry's tenure on American Idol will come to a close tonight, May 19, with the season 22 finale after seven seasons in the judges' chair.
The pop star, 39, joined the panel for the show's ABC revival in season 16 with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, and announced her departure earlier this year to focus on her own music and touring.
Over the past six years, the singer has given us some iconic moments, spanning emotional outcries, hilarious gags, and, of course, jaw-dropping fashions. Take a look at some of her most over-the-top style moments on the show below (and why we love them all)…
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© Getty ImagesThe Beginning
From her very first season, Katy showed that she'd be bringing some camp and extravagance to the main stage, opting for this red column gown with a sweetheart neckline for season 16's Top 7 episode.
What took it over the top was the tulle shoulder and cape embellishment that gave her semi-sheer wings when she sat on the panel, a crowd pleaser for sure.
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© Getty ImagesMaternity Styles
In 2020, the show went virtual during the first of the Covid-19 induced lockdowns, coinciding with Katy's pregnancy with daughter Daisy Dove, who is now three years old.
The "Daisies" singer turned to the more whimsical approach for this phase, like this Dumbo costume for Mother's Day (plus the matching costume for her dog Nugget).
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© Getty ImagesDenim on Denim
In 2023, Katy paid tribute to what had to be one of the defining fashion moments of the 21st century, that being Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's coordinating denim ensembles for the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.
She wore a distressed denim patchwork corseted dress with a matching stole and a black high heel for the top 20 episode, which saw the pool of contestants whittled down to just 12.
MORE: Katy Perry's mother fell for an AI-generated photo of her at the 2024 Met Gala
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© Getty ImagesPuffs on the Runway
One of Katy's most eye-catching moments from this latest season, she dressed last month in a Bottega gown covered in puffed balls.
The actual gown itself was a statement too, a knit net atop a black ankle length dress with matching high heels, and a bun so precise it almost matched the balls on the dress.
MORE: American Idol's Katy Perry showcases her cheeky side in daring cut out outfit
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© Getty ImagesWardrobe Malfunctions
Risky outfits do lead to risky stakes, like this 2022 ensemble, consisting of a leopard-print top with skin-tight orange leather pants that ripped during a performance.
While singing her hit "Teenage Dream" for the contestants during Hollywood Week, her pants split open from the back. Crew quickly rushed to her aid as she said on the mic: "Can I get some tape? Some gaffer tape?" although her fellow judges couldn't help breaking into hysterics.
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© Getty ImagesStretched Thin
Katy's campy approach shines bright especially during each season's annual Disney night, making her debut as Snow White in 2018 and pushing the envelope more and more each time.
Last year, the mom-of-one went for the most revealing of ensembles, opting to dress like Elastigirl in a full latex bodysuit, complete with an eye mask and a wig to match the heroine from 2004's The Incredibles.
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© Getty ImagesBibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!
Katy's most recent Disney night outfit was also her semi-final look, going for a more sweeping angelic energy with a Cinderella get-up for last weekend's top 5 show.
Along with the full baby blue ball gown, she went the full mile by also donning the yellow styled wig and bright makeup to match, making an impression even as her time winds down.
