Katy Perry has said goodbye to American Idol ...
for now. The 39-year-old pop star ended her seven-year reign on the hit music competition show on Sunday, saying her goodbyes in a tear-filled episode. Perry caught up with ET's Denny Directo on the red carpet after the live show where Abi Carter was crowned the season 22 winner .
"I'm a little tired because I've been crying all night, but I just so proud, so happy," Perry told ET. "It feels like a cherry on top that Abi got to win just because it's been a while since, you know, a while since a female won." Noting that Abi was her "pick from the beginning," Perry said that the win was "my present from the universe.
" As for the reaction to her own exit, Perry joked, "Well, everybody's sad. I'm like, it's not like I'm dying! I'm just going to see you on tour." The musician is leaving the show to focus on her music, specifically the teased KP6 .
However, she's not opposed to returning to the hit show. "Keep that seat hot. I mean, who knows," she teased.
"I loved everything I got to experience and learn." Perry said the Idol experience left her feeling "really close to my country." "I believe in humanity.
I believe in the American Dream," she added. "I think this show, it's like one of the last standing examples of a united front, American Dream, people coming from all places, all different beliefs, coming together." One of the hardest parts for Perry will be saying goodbye to her fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan .
Perry .