For Katy Perry’s final American Idol performance, she wore a meaningful dress with a surprising backstory.

Katy exited her role as a judge on the reality singing competition series after the American Idol season 22 finale, after seven seasons on the judging panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. For her final performance, Katy took the stage with third place finisher Jack Blocker for a beautiful duet of her song “What Makes a Woman.” During the performance, Katy and Jack were lifted on platforms high above the audience. As Katy rose up, her skirt was revealed to be decorated with the faces of every Top 24 contestant from the past seven seasons.

“It was just to show how much these kids have really lifted me up.”

In an interview with USA TODAY, Katy revealed the backstory behind her finale dress. She said that she came up with the concept for the dress, and her costume designer, Heather, created it in a week. Katy explained, “It was just one of those spur-of-the-moment ideas, and we were like, ‘Can we do this? Can we execute this in time?'” She added, “I was like, ‘No, I want the, like, biggest skirt ever, and I want to keep rising.'” And the “Rise” singer did rise: to at least a dozen feet above the stage.

Katy Perry Reveals Why Dress Paid Tribute To American Idol Contestants

Katy Wanted To “Make A Moment”

For her final American Idol season 22 performance, Katy wanted to wear something showstopping and meaningful. She explained, “It was just going to be a pretty skirt with a silver top, and I was like, ‘No, let’s do something. Let’s make a moment. Let’s pay homage to all the contestants.'” Katy said, “It was just to show how much these kids have really lifted me up.” Katy has always been such a cheerleader for the contestants, so it was very touching to see her express how much the contestants have done the same for her.

The reveal of the American Idol contestants’ faces on Katy’s dress was such a beautiful moment. Her explanation of how she wanted it to be a symbol of how they lifted her up is a true testament to what an incredible judge she’s been throughout the past seven seasons. Katy wanted to let them know that they gave as much to her as she did to them. Although she has a bold personality, she never stole the spotlight from the contestants. Katy was there to help them shine even brighter than they already did, and she was perfect at doing that.

Katy has always been known for her gorgeous outfits on the show, and also for her Disney Night costumes, which included Snow White, Ursula, Mrs. Jumbo, Tinker Bell, Ariel, Elastigirl, and Cinderella. On American Idol season 22 finale night, she also wore a gold top with seven golden roses on it, which represented her seven seasons with the show. However, Katy’s most meaningful dress was the one that paid tribute to the many contestants who touched her life over the years. Katy was a thoughtful, caring, and loving judge, and American Idol won’t be the same without her.