Katy Perry announced she was stepping down from American Idol after seven seasons on the hit ABC programme – but what will she do next?

Katy Perry announced she’s doing her last ever season of American Idol 

She’s lasted seven years on the judging panel, but now Katy Perry says it’s time to go out with a bang in her final season of American Idol.

The Swish Swish songstress was spotted looking downcast last week during a trip to London with her partner Orlando Bloom and daughter Daisy Dove. It’s been a troubling month for the 39-year-old after the passing of her long-term manager Martin Kirkup.

So, with the death of her music mogul pal and her exit from TV, experts tell The Mirror what Katy will do next, and they reckon they’ve already spotted a major clue. In an exclusive sit-down, PR expert Rebecca May tells us Katy’s “ready to make waves”.

Katy has gone through a really tough February ( Image: ABC via Getty Images)

Speaking of her exit, Katy said in a previous interview, “It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I need to go out and feel that pulse of my own beat.” It’s this comment that Rebecca feels in a big giveaway of what’s to come in the very near future.

“This statement gives us a clue: as much as she is passionate about helping guide others’ careers, she has acknowledged that American Idol helped her reach new audiences,” the RM Publicity founder and celebrity expert explained.

“She is now ready to launch new music and focus on her pop career. After seven years on the judging panel, she has indicated in recent interviews that she has unfinished business in the music industry and with her solo career.”

Rebecca continued: “Whatever the catalyst for her resignation as a judge, her co-judges were shocked by the news, but I am sure this decision is strategic for her wider career. Given that her Las Vegas Residency came to an end last November, she appears motivated to make bold changes and reignite her true passions.”

Katy shocked fans on Jimmy Kimmel Live! when she announced her departure from American Idol. She said: “I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol,” responding to a question from Jimmy Kimmel about how long she plans to stay, adding: “I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.”

Katy says she won’t be returning to American Idol ( Image: ABC via Getty Images)

It came as an inside source, who works as a consultant on major network shows for ABC, revealed: “There are three factors at play centred around her deal and her family. Katy enjoyed the best deal for reality in TV, worth around $30m a year.

“It made her the (highest female star for reality and entertainment. But ABC do not want to up it after five years of increases. There is no wiggle room as the parent company Disney looks to be cost effective and keep spending down for the next couple of years.

“That edict comes from the very top. So Katy was advised the deal is the same and you are welcome to continue. ABC bosses know she is the one who draws the eyes to the show, but she also the most expensive,” they added. “Katy has always told her friends that having a bigger family has been a dream. She is 40 in the fall and loves her blended harmonious family with Orlando and his ex Miranda Kerr.

“But she would like a little sibling for Daisy. She came from a family with a sister and really felt that aided her childhood and growing up experience. She and Angela remain tight to this day. The other thing is that Katy loves how Orlando is such a super dad to his children. That has made her love him even more.

“She has learned from him how to balance work and personal time…one could almost argue that he has helped him really find a balance in her life because of his influence. And let’s make this clear Katy is a really hands on mum, who likes to be there for breakfast and bed time for Daisy. Being away from TV recordings increases that time.”