It is to be expected, American Idol judges likely have songs they’re less than thrilled to hear, even from great artists.
During Katy Perry’s interview on GMA, the artist was flat out asked about songs that annoy her from contestants.
Perry instantly hesitated, though Luke Bryan did not.
Let’s recap the moment and what Bryan had to say. Perry also mustered up the courage to give an answer as well.
Perry’s time on American Idol is, of course, up. The search is currently in progress for a new judge. One thing is for sure, taking Perry’s place will be no easy task, providing fans with so many memorable moments throughout her stint.
Katy Perry Refused To Answer GMA’s Question Over A Banned American Idol Song, But Luke Bryan Gladly Answered Instead With Watermelon Sugar
For years, fans have debated whether certain songs should no longer be featured on American Idol. Generally speaking, certain songs tend to be overplayed, and American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan know all about that. Still, during her interview alongside Good Morning America, Katy Perry refused to single out a song or artist specifically. Ultimately, they did name the song they wanted to be banned from American Idol.
Perry nervously answered, “Oh, I can’t do that. I can’t do that. Listen, I can’t do that.” Thankfully, the hosts pushed the question further, asking Luke Bryan instead. Bryan didn’t hesitate and had a clear winner.
He revealed, “I’ve heard Watermelon Sugar a lot.” Perry then musters up the courage to also include Demi Lovato’s Anyone, which had a lyric Idol contestants typically had a hard time with.
Bryan tried to continue the discussion, but at that point, it seemed like Perry was ready to move on, and asked the GMA hosts for another question.
What was Harry Styles’ Watermelon Sugar really about?
- Styles detailed during a live show, “This song is about — it doesn’t really matter what it’s about.”
- “It’s about — it’s about, uh, the sweetness of life. t’s also about the female orgasm. But that’s totally different. It’s not really relevant.”
No disrespect to Styles, but with that type of breakdown, we assume Luke Bryan stands by his thoughts.
On the contrary, Katy Perry also had songs on American Idol that made her break down into tears. Perhaps the most emotional took place during her final night. Winner Abi Carter of season 22 sang, What Was I Made For? Perry’s reaction was extremely emotional, knowing her road was coming to an end.
Katy Perry left American Idol with a net worth of $350 million.
When did Katy Perry start dropping hints about her Idol departure?
- Fans note Perry’s interview with Jimmy Kimmel showed telling signs about her future.
- “I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean I love Idol so much.”
- She added, “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?”
Yes, the American Idol owner did indeed file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in 2016. At the time, Core Media was sitting on a massive debt worth $398 million. Once the season of Idol came to an end, Core was planning to restructure behind the scenes. The creator of Idol Simon Fuller was owed $3.37 million at the time of the Chapter 11 filing. Core called its structure “unsustainable” and was in need of rapid changes behind the scenes. Since then, American Idol has shifted its production with Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television.
How did Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie react?
- Luke Bryan: “I had heard whispers that she was thinking about it — it wasn’t, like, a huge shock. It’s been a good run with Katy, and she and I have developed a great friendship and to work alongside her.”
- Lionel Richie: “We’ve kind of developed a little family, and what’s happening now is that we keep talking about her leaving, but it hasn’t registered yet. So I think as it goes on, Luke and I will probably get together and realize that we’re going to kidnap her.”
A replacement for Katy Perry hasn’t been named yet. However, Miley Cyrus, P!nk, and Meghan Trainor are among the rumored names.
Going back to the banned American Idol songs, opinions certainly vary. Over on Reddit, fans had several different opinions on songs they no longer wanted to hear.
Redditors wrote:
- “Any songs about God/Christian songs…it’s pandering to the max…”
- “It’s A Man’s World” “Halleujah”
- “I can’t make you love me. A great song but damn it’s been done so many times on AI.”
- “Feeling good (Nina Simone and others) and Over the Rainbow. Just heard them both too much over the years.”
EW compiled a list of their own on banned Idol songs over a decade ago in March of 2010. At that point, “My Girl, by The Temptations was deemed as the most overplayed.
The publication wrote, “Unless you’re at a Temptations’ reunion concert, ”My Girl” is best relegated to karaoke bars and wedding receptions. And yes, that is meant as an insult to Aaron Kelly (season 9), John Stevens (season 3, pictured), EJay Day (season 1), and Mark Scott (season 1 seminfinalist). Not to worry, I forgot that last dude, too.”
Over a decade later, it is safe to say that the song isn’t featured as much.