Katy Perry’s unexpected comment to a former “American Idol” contestant is stirring more than just nostalgia — it’s reigniting speculation about the pop star’s personal life and her relationship with Orlando Bloom.
Katy Perry’s departure from “American Idol” has sparked fresh speculation — not only about her future in television but also about her personal life with longtime fiancé Orlando Bloom. A revealing conversation with a former contestant has added new fuel to the fire.
During an appearance on BBC Radio 2’s “Breakfast Show” with Scott Mills, music star Benson Boone recalled an unexpected encounter with Perry months after his time on “American Idol.”
Boone, who competed briefly on season 21 before deciding to leave the show, described a backstage chat at a recent awards ceremony where Perry allegedly admitted she was “glad” he had walked away from the competition.
Boone, now a rising pop sensation with a major TikTok following, said the comment caught him off guard. When asked whether he thought Perry viewed herself as having “discovered” him, Boone offered a more nuanced take. “I actually think she is really glad that I left the show,” he said.
Perry had once championed Boone on camera, telling audiences he had the potential to win and predicting fans would swoon over him. But their recent exchange suggested a deeper concern.
Boone added that Perry seemed “really worried” about the pressures he might face in the music industry. “There’s just a lot of hate coming your way, a lot of people that want things from you,” he said, recounting her comments.
Perry, who first joined “American Idol” in 2018 and left after season 22 in 2024, has recently been at the center of speculation about possible strain in her relationship with Bloom.
Reactions to Perry’s growing speculation about her relationship with Bloom have been swift and emotional. “Sending a lot of love to Katy Perry right now,” one supporter wrote. “Allegedly she’s going through a rough patch with Orlando. This is probably unlocking a lot of trauma for her as she’s on tour right now.”
Another added, “Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom haven’t interacted or talked about each other in a while. I’m actually scared.” Still, some dismissed the speculation entirely, insisting, “Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom are not breaking up!! Stop believing everything u see in the internet.”
Amid the media chatter and public concern, Boone offered a more grounded perspective on Perry. Despite the singer being widely mocked for her Blue Origin space flight, Boone described her as a “really lovely person.”
Boone’s decision came after a promising start on season 21. At the time, he was already gaining momentum as a TikTok performer but had yet to fully embrace a music career. His audition impressed all three judges — Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan — with both his vocals and his piano skills.
While Lionel dubbed him a natural talent and Luke encouraged him to have fun with his newly discovered gift, Perry offered the boldest prediction, telling the singer that she could see him winning.
But Boone ultimately chose to step back. Though he made it into the final 24 contestants, he exited the show early, prompting producers to omit his Hollywood Week performances from the broadcast. The departure didn’t derail his music ambitions. Months later, Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds signed him to Night Street Records under Warner Records.
His debut single, “Ghost Town,” narrowly entered the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 100, but gained traction through TikTok and earned Platinum certification. He followed it with “In The Stars,” which peaked at No. 82 and was later certified 2x Platinum.
After a quiet spell in 2022 and 2023, Boone returned with his biggest hit to date, “Beautiful Things,” which reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 and went 5x Platinum. Since then, Boone has maintained a strong chart presence with hits like “Slow It Down,” “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else,” and this year’s “Mystical Magical.”
His journey from a brief stint on “Idol” to platinum-selling artist has brought his initial interaction with Perry full circle — a conversation that continues to draw attention not just to his success, but to her evolving public narrative.
On the other hand, Perry has been navigating a much more public and uncertain chapter in her personal life. On the heels of Boone’s interview, the singer has found herself at the center of renewed speculation about her relationship with Bloom.
According to reports, the “Lord of the Rings” star attended the high-profile wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Italy — noticeably without Perry. However, the absence was quickly explained: Perry is currently in Australia as part of her ongoing tour. Despite the clarification, the couple’s extended time apart has fueled concern.
Multiple reports have suggested growing tension between the two. A source told People magazine that they’re pretty much done, while another insider told Page Six that it’s over, alleging the couple are simply waiting until the tour is done before they split.
A friend of the couple also reportedly told Daily Mail that the relationship is “on the rocks.” Perry and Bloom first crossed paths in January 2016 and weathered an early breakup in 2017 before reuniting the following year.
Their engagement came on Valentine’s Day in 2019, and they welcomed their daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, in August 2020. Bloom also shares a teenage son, Flynn, with ex-wife Miranda Kerr.
Recent public scrutiny has only intensified the pressure. Perry’s widely panned Blue Origin space flight, the lukewarm reception to her latest album “143,” and critical reviews of her current tour have all reportedly added to the emotional toll.
As her professional and personal lives continue to intersect under the spotlight, Perry’s future — both on stage and at home — remains the subject of close watch.
