However, the 74-year-old singer, who has been serving as judges on the show alongside Katy and Luke Bryan, reveals that he can understand the 'Dark Horse' singer's decision.
- February 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - Lionel Richie thinks Katy Perry's "American Idol" exit "makes sense." The 74-year-old singer has starred alongside Katy, 39, on the hit TV show for years, but he can understand why she's decided to walk away from 'American Idol' at this point in time.
During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", Lionel said, "We didn’t know about it, but it makes sense. In other words: The reason I love coming on the show with you and the reason I’m doing 'American Idol' is because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things that I’ve done."
Lionel acknowledged that Katy is at a different point in her own career. The "Hello" hitmaker said, "When Katy says, ‘I want to go and create some stories,’ remember, she’s young. The point is that you have to take some time and actually be an artist."
Lionel also insisted that he doesn't bear a grudge against his co-star. He shared, "I’m not mad. It just made me run off the road when I first heard about it. My phone blew up."
Katy revealed the news of her exit earlier this month. The award-winning star, who joined "American Idol" in 2018, has enjoyed her experience on the TV show, but she now feels it's the right time to move on to something new.
She said on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", "I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for 'Idol'. I mean, I love 'Idol' so much. It’s connected me with, like, the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat, you know what I’m saying?"
