Katy Perry sported a dramatic blonde hairdo and surprised the audience with a Cinderella-inspired outfit reveal during the Disney Night episode of American Idol on Sunday, May 13th.
The episode, which aired live on ABC, marked the second-to-last appearance for Perry as a judge on the show. Perry announced her departure earlier this year, revealing plans to focus on her music career.
The Disney Night theme permeated the entire episode, beginning with the judges singing "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story. Perry's outfit change further emphasized the theme, with the singer transforming from a casual blonde look into a full-blown Cinderella gown with a simple tug of a ribbon.
The episode also featured performances from the show's remaining top five contestants: Emmy Russell, Jack Blocker, Will Moseley, Abi Carter, and Triston Harper. Each contestant sang a song from the Disney Songbook, mentored by country music star Kane Brown.
Fan reception to the performances was mixed. Will Moseley's performance received praise on social media, with some viewers calling it "pure magic" and "top three material". However, Emmy Russell's rendition of Miley Cyrus's "The Climb" received criticism for pitchiness and shaky vocals.
The judges offered a more tempered critique, with Luke Bryan acknowledging Russell's developing confidence and Katy Perry suggesting that the song choice aligned with Russell's growth trajectory on the show.
Lionel Richie offered more generalized praise, stating, "You were fantastic, I love it."
Disappointed viewers expressed their opinions on social media, with some calling Russell's performance "horrible" and suggesting she shouldn't reach the top three.
Following the performances, viewers were encouraged to vote for their favorite contestants to advance to the finale. The show also featured a guest performance by actress and singer Jenifer Lewis.
The American Idol season finale will air next Sunday, May 20th, and will feature the top three contestants receiving mentorship from Jon Bon Jovi. The winner will be crowned live during the episode.
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