Katy Perry bid farewell as a judge on American Idol during the season 22 finale, but her fellow judges remain skeptical about her departure.

Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, along with host Ryan Seacrest, expressed doubts despite Perry’s heartfelt send-off on the Sunday, May 19 episode.

“I mean, you never say never, and I think she actually said, ‘Keep the seat warm,'” Seacrest told Entertainment Tonight after the show. “I mean, walking away from us, that’s a bold move, Katy!”

As for Richie, he quipped, “I still think she’s lying. I think it’s a Katy Perry move to get the sympathy and then come back and say, ‘Well…'”

Singer Abi Carter was named Idol‘s winner for the season, but the spotlight also shone on Perry as she marked her final appearance after seven years as a judge. She was called out numerous times and seen crying on multiple occasions. The celebration included enjoying pizza during the live show to honor her exit.

After the show, Perry did indeed hint at a possible return, saying, “Keep that seat hot. I mean, who knows. I loved everything I got to experience and learn.”

“So much kindness, so much genuine care and support for the contestants,” Seacrest gushed. “Katy really led us to really evolve the show to be what it is today and she led us in the right direction.”

Richie agreed, noting that the new trio of judges, who took over after American Idol‘s two-year hiatus, “created that next scene.”

Bryan then added his thoughts, expressing gratitude for his two fellow judges and highlighting the genuine friendships they’ve built.

“We’ve had an amazing time together and the fact that we’ve done this for seven years together and everybody gels and works together, it’s hard to find that in the world of entertainment, so we’re blessed by that,” the country star shared. “We’re blessed by the friendships.”

When Perry’s replacement came up, Richie was quick to joke about the A-listers he’d love to see fill Perry’s shoes. “Beyoncé, we need you right about now, and also, Taylor [Swift], if you’re available,” he said. Bryan, however, carefully avoided the question. “I’m staying away from that. I know the names.”

Perry just hopes that her replacement is “someone fearless” and “someone that doesn’t mince their words.” The “I Kissed a Girl” singer went on to say she wants some controversy: “Maybe someone a little polarizing just like myself.”

Perry continued: “There’s a lot of people that’s like, ‘She’s awful! She should go!’ And there’s a lot of people that are like, ‘She speaks her mind! She’s authentic!’ Whatever, you can’t win ’em all. I think it’s actually better not to win ’em all because that means you actually have a point of view.”