Lionel Richie believes Carrie Underwood will be a ‘great judge’ as he responded to news she would now be working on the show that catapulted to fame, American Idol.
Underwood, 41, was recently announced as the newest judge joining season 23 of the show following Katy Perry’s departure earlier this year.
Speaking with E! News at a screening of The Greatest Night in Pop on Monday, Lionel, 75, said Carrie was a logical fit for the show.
‘It makes a lot of sense. It’s not someone we have to get used to. And the fact that she has a great story, she came from American Idol,’ he added.
Now the contenders will be receiving 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 for The Greatest Night in Pop
Carrie was announced as the next American Idol judge last week; pictured September 2023
‘What a great judge,’ he 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.’
‘Just be a ham sandwich like the two of us,’ he said. ‘Welcome to the ham sandwich squad.’
He said he had not yet spoken with her but hopes she had a ‘great sense of humor’ due to fellow judge Luke Bryan.
‘She’s gotta sit next to Luke, all I can say to you is “Hang on,”‘ he said playfully.
‘It’s gonna be an amazing show,’ he added. ‘Probably for the first five or six shows, to see her face and see how she deals with uncle Luke sitting next to her, saying anything on his mind. I’m gonna love it, I’m loving it.’
Underwood will be filling in the empty spot left behind by Perry after the I Kissed A Girl singer departed 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 that I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything that I’ve accomplished since.’
The Before He Cheats singer is now a massive star after getting her start on American Idol
The show will begin auditions searching for their next star on August 12; Underwood pictured last week
The judges 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 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 a release from ABC.
‘This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.’
Host Ryan Seacrest will also be returning to the show.
Underwood will be filling in the empty spot left behind by former judge Katy Perry after the I Kissed A Girl singer departed the show earlier this year
The show will begin auditions searching for their next star on August 12.
E! News airs 11:00PM ET/PT on E!
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