Lionel Richie believes Carrie Underwood will make a “great judge” as he responded to news that she would now be working on the show that catapulted her to fame, American Idol.
Underwood, 41, was recently announced as the newest judge joining the show’s 23rd season following Katy Perry’s departure earlier this year.
Talking with Electronic News At a screening of The Greatest Night in Pop on Monday, Lionel, 75, said Carrie was a logical choice for the show.
“It makes a lot of sense. He’s not someone we have to get used to. And the fact is that he has a great history, he comes from American Idol,” he added.
Now contenders will receive feedback from someone who truly understands what it’s like to be in their position.
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
Last week it was announced that Carrie will be the next judge on American Idol; she will be pictured in September 2023
“What a great judge,” she added. “Now we don’t have to explain anymore: ‘We know how you feel.’ As artists, we know how you feel, but we’ve never been in that oval that says ‘American Idol.’ She’s been there, done that.”
“Be a ham sandwich like us both,” he said. “Welcome to the ham sandwich team.”
He said he hasn’t spoken to her yet, but hopes she has “a great sense of humor” thanks to fellow judge Luke Bryan.
“She has to sit next to Luke, all I can tell you is ‘Wait’,” he said playfully.
“It’s going to be an amazing show,” he added. “Probably for the first five or six shows, seeing his face and seeing how he behaves when his uncle Luke is sitting next to him and telling him everything that’s on his mind. I’m going to love it, I’m loving 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 American Idol alum to become a judge.
In an emotional video announcing Underwood’s new hosting gig, she said: “I’m proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since then.”
The Before He Cheats singer is now a huge star after getting her start on American Idol.
The show will begin auditions for its next star on August 12; Underwood was photographed last week
The judging panel now consists of Underwood, Richie and Bryan.
“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on Idol and launched her multi-Grammy Award-winning, successful career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings an extraordinarily unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, said in an ABC statement.
“This is a moment of closure for the show and for the audiences who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”
Host Ryan Seacrest will also return to the show.
Underwood will fill the vacant spot left by former judge Katy Perry after the I Kissed A Girl singer left the show earlier this year.
The show will begin auditions for its next star on August 12.
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