Lionel Richie says Carrie Underwood joining American Idol as judge ‘makes a lot of sense’ as he reacts to her new role: ‘She’s been there, done that’
Lionel Richie thinks Carrie Underwood will be a “great judge” as he reacted to the news that she would now be working on the show that made her famous: American Idol.
Underwood, 41, was recently announced as the newest judge for season 23 of the show, after Katy Perry left earlier this year.
Speak with E-news Speaking at a screening of The Greatest Night in Pop on Monday, Lionel, 75, said Carrie was a natural choice for the show.
“It makes perfect sense. She’s not someone we have to get used to. And the fact that she has a great story, she comes from American Idol,” he added.
Now the candidates receive feedback from someone who really understands what it is like to be in their situation.
American Idol judge Lionel Richie is looking forward to working with Carrie Underwood after she was named the newest judge on the hit competition show; pictured at a screening of The Greatest Night in Pop
Carrie was announced as the next American Idol judge last week; photo September 2023
“What a great jury,” he added. “Now we don’t have to explain, ‘We know how you feel.’ As artists, we know how you feel, but we’ve never been in that oval space that says, American Idol. She’s been there, done that.”
“Just be a ham sandwich, like the two of us,” he said. “Welcome to the ham sandwich team.”
He said he hadn’t spoken to her yet, but hoped she had a “great sense of humor” thanks to fellow judge Luke Bryan.
“She has to sit next to Luke, all I can say to you is, ‘Wait a minute,’” he said playfully.
“It’s going to be a great show,” he added. “Probably for the first five or six shows, just to see her face and see how she interacts with Uncle Luke sitting next to her and saying whatever’s on his mind. I’m going to enjoy it, I’m enjoying it.”
Underwood will fill the void left by Perry after the I Kissed A Girl singer left the show in May.
The Before He Cheats singer is the first former American Idol cast member to become a judge.
In an emotional video announcing Underwood’s new hosting role, she said, “I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished with the show, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.”
The Before He Cheats singer is now a huge star after getting her start on American Idol
The show begins auditions on August 12 to find its next star; Underwood was pictured last week
The jury now consists of Underwood, Richie and Bryan.
“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie captured the hearts of America on Idol and launched her successful, multi-Grammy Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” said Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, in an ABC press release.
“This is a full-circle moment for both the show and the home audience who have been tuning in for more than two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”
Host Ryan Seacrest is also returning to the show.
Underwood will fill the void left by former judge Katy Perry after the I Kissed A Girl singer left the show earlier this year
Auditions for the show to find a new star begin on August 12.
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