King Charles and Queen Camilla joked with Lionel Richie and Katy Perry during a surprise appearance on American Idol after the coronation concert.
The singers, both judges of the American talent show, spoke virtually with host Ryan Seacrest when the royal couple made the unexpected cameo last night.
“Now we’re trying to figure out what we can do to bring something different to the show,” Lionel said. “So … I have a surprise.”
Charles, wearing a blue suit, and Camilla, wearing a long blue jacket, then walked out and joined them, with a shocked Katy saying, “Oh god.”
“I just wanted to see how long you’re going to be using this room,” King Charles said, laughing. “I just wanted to check.”
Royal surprise: King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a surprise appearance on Sunday’s episode of American Idol amid his historic coronation festivities
“We have to give up the room right away,” a smiling Lionel replied.
The two singers were previously asked how they enjoyed the coronation weekend.
“What a party,” Lionel said, dressed in an all-black outfit that included a sequin-embellished jacket. “It was unbelievable.”
Katy, 38, wore a strapless green dress with a large pearl necklace and matching earrings alongside him.
“It was incredible and we’re here for the coronation concert at Windsor Castle,” said Katy.
Coronation performers: The royals appeared as American Idol judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, who were in the UK to perform at the Coronation concert, appeared virtually to check in with host Ryan Seacrest, 48
Coronation artists: ‘Now we’re trying to think of what we can do to give something different to the show. So,…I have a surprise,” said Lionel who was a performer at the coronation celebration with Katy
Dressed up: Katy wore a pretty green strapless dress and Lionel looked good in an embellished sequin suit
US League: The royals appeared on the ABC show from a distance as guest judges Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran watched along with regular judge Luke Bryan
Then King Charles, accompanied by the royal couple, praised the singers for their performances at the star-studded concert in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
He added: ‘No thanks for your brilliant performance and thanks Katy too. That was it really.’
King Charles said it was ‘great to have you here’.
“Are we making too much noise?” Katy asked Queen Camilla.
“I understand there’s a party,” Lionel said.
“Ah, you heard of that,” said King Charles.
“Well, you’re having a party next door,” Lionel said.
“Ah, that’s right,” said King Charles. “We should have taken you to the party, but you’re busy with all that other stuff.”
“We’ll come to the party as soon as we’re done,” Lionel said.
Brilliant performances: ‘No thanks for your brilliant performance and thank you Katy too. It was real,” said King Charles
Funny side: “Ah, that’s right,” said King Charles, showing his funny side. “We should have taken you to the party but you’re busy with all those other things”
Party: “Once we’re done, we’ll come to the party,” Lionel said
Good times: Queen Camilla smiled during the fun segment with King Charles III
“We’re coming to the party,” Katy said.
“Well, you deserve it,” said King Charles. ‘Health.’
“Thank you very much,” Katy said.
“We love you,” Lionel said as King Charles walked away. ‘Congratulations.’
“God bless you,” Katy said.
King Charles and Queen Camilla then eloped.
Earlier in the evening, Charles and Camilla watched from the royal box as Richie performed his hits Easy and All Night Long.
Zara and Mike Tindall sang along to the songs, with some waving from the Duke of Edinburgh. The performance provoked enormous applause from the King and Queen.
Richie revealed that he immediately jumped at the chance to perform at the celebratory concert, saying, “It’s an honor because it’s every 80 years, except for the Queen who made it all the way to the end.” But I mean, this is great.”
Princess Charlotte, 8, and her mother, Kate, the Princess of Wales, then sang along as Perry, dressed in a gold foil ballgown, performed her pop hit ‘Roar’.
Hosted by the BBC and watched by millions around the world, the event featured a 70-piece orchestra, choirs and several unique dramatic performances.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise, actress Joan Collins and singer Tom Jones all appeared via video message. A series of pre-recorded skits also aired, revealing little-known facts about Charles, including moments from The Muppets and beloved literary character Winnie the Pooh.
A message from Charles was played about the importance of environmental conservation and the show was accompanied by a nature-themed light and drone show. Prince William took the stage to pay tribute to his father, saying he knew the late Queen would be “a very proud mother”.
At the same time, 10 towns and cities across the country were treated to spectacular light shows, while 1,000 drones took to the skies for a UK multi-location drone show.
