Although Carrie, 41, was ultimately chosen to sit alongside longtime judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Jelly was clearly touched by the “Firework” singer’s glowing recommendation.

“Find you a friend that talks about you like Katy Perry talks about me in the media,” he told E! News the following month. “Thank you, Katy Perry. I love you to death.”

But despite throwing her weight behind Jelly, Katy made it clear she has complete faith in the “Jesus Take the Wheel” singer’s judging abilities, noting her firsthand experience as an Idol hopeful.

“As artists, we’ve been in some sort of their shoes, but she has lived every single day,” Katy told People in January. “So I think she’s going to have a lot to offer anyone that’s willing to listen.”