In a surprise turn of events, Lionel Richie discovered Katy Perry’s departure from American Idol, admitting, “It just made me run off the road when I first heard about it.” However, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! recently, Richie clarified, “I’m not mad.”
Deadline reports that the announcement of Perry leaving the singing competition after its 22nd season came as a shock to Richie, who humorously mentioned, “My phone blew up.” Despite the unexpected news, Richie expressed understanding, stating, “No, we didn’t know about it, but it makes sense.”
As a seasoned figure in the music business with a wealth of stories and experiences spanning 400 years, Richie emphasized the importance of artists taking the time to create their narratives. He acknowledged Perry’s decision, saying, “She’s young. But the point is that you have to take some time and actually be an artist.”
When asked about Perry’s replacement, Richie admitted to being in the dark, stating, “You know, they are keeping tight-lipped because I don’t even know, but I’m telling you… It’s gonna be really interesting.” He highlighted the unique dynamic of the show, where experienced artists offer valuable insights to aspiring talents who are, in his words, “scared to death.”
In anticipation of the new addition to the judging panel, Richie shared a humorous perspective, noting, “To come past Katy, you’ve gotta be humorous forever, and, on top of that, knowledgeable.” As the show navigates this transition, Richie’s optimism suggests that the essence of American Idol’s greatness will endure.
