Singing talent search judges’ songs a no-no for Katy Perry

Katy Perry

In this age where just about everyone can show off their talent and get discovered on the internet, are reality-talent searches still relevant?

Katy Perry, who’s one of the judges of the coming reboot of “American Idol,” admitted that she was “a little bit wary” of this fact. But as she and her copanelists, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, presided over auditions, she realized that there are still many people raring for a break.

“There’s YouTube, Instagram—anyone can be found these days. We’re looking for authentic, instantly identifiable talent. And there were so many of them,” she recently said in “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

The singer added it has become increasingly difficult for new artists to make it big. “The music industry now is very crowded. So, you have to light yourself on fire while singing on Instagram just to get a like these days, and you still wouldn’t get a record deal!” she said.

Still, the singer believes that “American Idol” has “come full circle” and is “beneficial to up-and-coming” singers. “New stars are born every day,” quipped Katy, who’s set to perform at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 2.

Asked if it’s wise for contestants to sing her or her cojudges’ songs, Katy said that’s “a bit of a lion’s den … [a] trap. No offense, we have sung our songs over 10,000 times. So, unless you have a way to reinterpret it, [don’t bother],” she pointed out. “We don’t need our bums to be kissed in the show!” —ALLAN POLICARPIO