Katy Perry allegedly turned down $20 million offer to judge ‘American Idol’

Katy Perry

Katy Perry was out and about over the weekend, which is a good thing because I’d hate to see her unnecessarily go into hiding after being given the brief tour of douche by John Mayer before he mercilessly dumped her. On the topic of John, he celebrated his freedom by cutting his nasty hair — too bad he couldn’t cut off the essence of douche too, right? Oh well.

Katy looks rather somber in these photos despite the fact that she was photographed at the SHOREbar where she threw a party for her friend Jon (Somebody), who is (for what it’s worth) the best friend Ronan Farrow (son of Mia and Woody). Katy is said to have partied at the bar until 2:00 am, and she’s shown holding the hand of jewelry designer Markus Molinari, who is supposedly her best friend and also held her hand on the red carpet in her first public appearance following her split from ex-husband Russell Brand. Another few factoids for you — Katy and Markus also celebrated his May birthday at the SHOREbar. Also, the Santa Monica hotspot was designed by Rosetta Getty. Small world.

Onto the story at hand, which follows the neverending saga of rotating “American Idol” judges. Back in early July, Katy was one of the names floating about for a potential judge pick, but then everyone forgot about that when Mariah Carey was hired to turn the program into “The Mariah Show.” Then Nicki Minaj was supposedly confirmed for a spot on the panel, but then Mariah threw a fit, and it turns out Nicki is not confirmed after all. Now TMZ is reporting (via a leak from Katy’s team?) that Katy was hotly pursued as a judge, and they offered her an even higher salary than what Mariah will receive. Uh-oh:

Katy Perry

“American Idol” desperately wanted Katy Perry to fill one of its vacant judge’s seats, so much so, they offered her $20 MILLION … but she she still turned it down … TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the production tell TMZ … “Idol” pursued Perry relentlessly for weeks, eager to get her to sign on the dotted line. According to our sources, they started the offer at $18 million, but threw even more cash on the table … $20 MILLION for a one year contract!!!

We’re told Katy made it clear … she was NOT interested and money wasn’t the issue.

Sources tell us … aside from the fact that Katy’s schedule made it impossible to do the show … she just didn’t think it was right career choice for her.

Mariah must be one pissed, $18 million judge.

[From TMZ]

Okay, I can buy that “Idol” courted Katy, and I can also believe that she turned them down. Because — and I’m sorry if this sounds cruel — these sort of musical judging gigs appeal most to those pop culture figures who are in need of a career boost. Arguably, Katy is on top of her (semi-)musical game and coming off of the multiplatinum-selling Teenage Dream album, so she’s not in need of this sort of television job yet. Give her a few more years, and she might go there if her star starts to fade. Was Katy really offered a $20 million salary for one season though? That’s debatable.

As far as her professional life goes, Katy’s in a great spot. As far as her personal life goes, however, she could use a bit of time off for sure. She looks pretty drained in these photos, right? This is what happens when one makes the mistake of dating John Mayer.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Photos courtesy of Pacific Coast News

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14 Responses to “Katy Perry allegedly turned down $20 million offer to judge ‘American Idol’”

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  1. brin says:

    Mimi must be pissed if this is true. Meanwhile I have seen everyone and his Jonas brother being considered for AI.

  2. gee says:

    I love her hair cut.

  3. Beutimous says:

    Sorry but if they had an extra $20m to throw around after already paying Mariah $18m why were they trying to go budget with Nicki for $4m when they could supposedly afford someone way better?
    I just seriously do not believe anyone would pay KATY PERRY more than Britney or Mariah ever lol sorry.

  4. Shitler says:

    All this random “singers” names being tossed around shows once & for all that these shows are not about talent? Katy “can’t carry a tune” Perry, Nicki “notice my horrible outfits instead of my juvenile rap” Minaj, That Jonas Kid? I’m adding this to my must-skip-tv

  5. FreeSpiritedGirl says:

    John Mayer is a douche. Don’t know why Katy Perry dated him?
    She is so pretty. I wonder why she wears silly see through dresses. If she wants to show her innerwear, she can atleast wear some good ones, like from Victoria’s Secret. I really hate those grandma panties. >_<

    • Bluedog says:

      Those “Grandma panties” are part of the “dress” and are made by the designer. I’m sure KP thinks Victoria’s Secret things are cheap, anyway.

  6. Carolyn says:

    I’m just glad Katy has normal coloured-hair now. I like her music.

  7. Jennifer says:

    She should take that job and these money. She won’t be on top forever. Sooner or later people will find out that she is just talentless wannabe.

  8. Mel says:

    Thank goodness. Who wants to see the contestants with bright pastel hair and spinning-boob dresses.

  9. derpy says:

    Katy is wearing a crucifix (rosary?) while showing off her new bra and panties in a see through dress… I’m sure her parents and Jesus would approve. This girl just kind of annoys me these days, and I used to be a fan..

  10. Jill says:

    Ew is that her new boyfriend?

  11. yolo says:

    This is good news that she won’t be a judge, since she, herself, is talentless. Anyone can make make it big with a catchy lyric set to the hit-maker music set up, i.e. Call me maybe, Friday, I could go on…

  12. chalkdustgirl says:

    Anyone else’s gaydar going off? Or is he just British?

  13. Abby says:

    I think it’s more Katy (or her people) saying she was offered 20 million to judge. Just cause it was said doesn’t make it true…