Lionel Richie Reveals Why He Rejected Previous Offers For American Idol

Lionel Richie revealed that he previously turned down an American Idol judging gig. This comes as Lionel returns for his fifth season on Idol, alongside returning judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. All three joined the show in 2018 for season 16, which was also the first season on ABC. Lionel was a guest judge way back in season 2 on FOX, alongside original judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. He also performed during the season 8 finale with Top 3 finalist Danny Gokey. Katy was a guest judge during the season 9 auditions and performed during results shows in seasons 8 and 10. Luke, however, had never performed or been a guest before joining the show permanently. The current judging panel of Lionel, Luke and Katy is the most consistent since American Idol‘s original trio of Randy, Paula and Simon.

Over the past four seasons, Idol fans have appreciated Lionel’s wisdom, enthusiasm and emotional attachment to many contestants. He’s also shown off his legendary status, impressing hopefuls and his Idol co-judges with stories about working with other artists. In the American Idol season 20 premiere, Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter Grace showed up to audition. Despite knowing Aretha well, Lionel had the deciding vote to not send Grace through to Hollywood Week. The moment showcased his ability to be both critical and nurturing, as he insisted that Grace needed time to grow as an artist.

According to Heavy, it turns out that Lionel was approached about being an Idol judge nearly a decade ago, and several times after that, by show creator Simon Fuller. Lionel cited being on tour for turning the offer down. But eventually he did have time. “I’ve known Ryan [Seacrest] for a very long time, and so, of course, knowing that Katy [Perry] asked for me, and I asked for Luke [Bryan]. And so we kind of put our dream team, magic group, together, which is more fun than I could ever tell you.” Lionel also appreciates that, unlike Idol’s original panel, this one is completely made up of artists. He said that he, Luke and Katy all know what the contestants are going through.

Despite being satisfied with his co-judges, Lionel admitted that he didn’t know what he was getting himself into at first.  However, it clicked for him when he realized that he saw himself in the contestants, especially those who were very nervous. “When I see that kid shaking, scared to death, I realize I’m looking at myself…that’s me standing there in front of an audition trying to get a record deal.” Additionally, he likes being part of what’s considered a family show, which his parents have even told him, adding, “We make this a family hour…because this is something we can all learn from as a family.” Lionel thinks it’s “a beautiful thing.“

The chemistry between the current Idol judges has been received well over the years. Fans think they are genuinely enjoying themselves. Lionel, in particular, expresses that he feels honored to be giving back to a new generation of artists. His expertise as an artist, songwriter and producer, continues to impress fans. Considering the number of changes the show has seen with its judging panels, it’s remarkable that this trio has stayed intact for five seasons. While the fifth season of American Idol has just started, time will tell if Lionel and his co-judges return for a sixth.

American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Source: Heavy