During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Lionel Richie discussed Katy Perry's announcement that the upcoming 22nd season of American Idol would be her last. Richie expressed initial surprise, stating, "It just made me run off the road when I first heard about it. My phone blew up." Despite the unexpected nature of Perry's revelation, Richie confirmed he harbored no ill feelings towards her for dropping the news during the show.
Richie, along with fellow judge Luke Bryan, revealed that they were unaware of Perry's decision to exit the show but understood her choice, noting that "it makes sense." Richie reflected on his own motivations for joining the show, citing his extensive experience in the music industry and his desire to share stories and knowledge with the contestants.
When Perry explained her departure to Kimmel, she emphasized her love for American Idol and its connection to the heart of America. However, she expressed a personal need to "feel that pulse of my own beat," hinting at a desire to pursue other creative ventures. Perry playfully teased her fellow judges, stating, "Well, they'll find out tonight!" before confirming her exit in an Instagram post.
Perry has been a judge on American Idol since its revival in 2018, alongside Richie and Bryan. Despite Perry's departure, no official announcements have been made regarding her replacement. When contacted by The Hollywood Reporter, representatives for American Idol declined to comment on the matter.
Richie remained optimistic about the future of the show, acknowledging that discussions about Perry's replacement were being kept under wraps. He emphasized the importance of humor and knowledge in a potential replacement, stating, "Whoever comes to the judges' table has to be humorous forever and, on top of that, knowledgeable."
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