LYIN' LIONEL?
American Idol’s Luke Bryan calls out Lionel Richie for ‘lying and fibbing’ about A-list connections in new interview
AMERICAN Idol judge Luke Bryan has admitted that his doubts about his co-host Lionel Richie no longer exist.
Luke got humbled after Lionel tuned into a recent episode of American Idol with members of the royal family during his time away from the show.
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On Sunday's show, Luke, 46, contestants and audience members got a big surprise from Lionel, 73, who happened to be in London for King Charles III's, 74, coronation concert.
At the beginning of the show, Lionel and co-judge Katy Perry, 38, who also was performing at the coronation concert, checked in with Idol live from Windsor Castle following their performance.
While Luke anticipated seeing his fellow Idol squad, he wasn't prepared for the King.
King Charles III and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, both tuned in alongside Lionel and Katy as the ABC personalities addressed Idol fans, leaving Luke in utter disbelief.
"It just shows you the scope and the power of who Lionel Richie [is]. When you think about when Lionel wrote and performed 'We Are the World,' that put him in a situation where he wrote a song for the world," Luke told People in an exclusive interview.
"Therefore, Lionel went around and met all of these world leaders and stuff. So when you see that he's developed a relationship with King Charles through the years, to the point where Lionel could ask him to pop by and say hey to everybody."
He added: "I always felt Lionel was maybe lying and fibbing a little bit about his relationship with all the royals but I gotta say he's telling the truth now."
Sunday's episode was one to remember, not only because of the royal family but also because of the visit from a rock icon.
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HOLDING IT DOWN
Alanis Morissette, 48, filled in for Katy amid her absence yesterday.
Ed Sheeran, 32, also appeared to perform duets of his hit songs with the remaining finalists.
The You Oughtta Know singer will serve as a mentor and judge.
Both Alanis and the Perfect singer took the stage themselves for a song as well, with the British crooner debuting a new single.
When Katy checked in via video chat, she joked that Alanis and Ed took her and Lionel's jobs.
THEY OUGHTA KNOW
Despite Katy joking about Alanis and Ed taking her and Lionel's jobs, fans would really love to see that happen permanently.
Both substitutes charmed contestants, and the audience, and many people on Twitter begged to kick Katy to the curb.
"Best judges! @lukebryan @edsheeran @Alanis," one person tweeted. "American Idol viewers are lucky today."
One person called Alanis a "great permanent choice."
Another complimented: "Ed Sheeran seems to be having fun, and he seems like a really pleasant guy."
Fans celebrated Katy and Lionel’s absence before the show even began airing.
"It will be SOOOOOO nice watching Idol tonight without having to hold the remote so I can 'MUTE' Perry and Richie every time they open their mouths!" one person tweeted. "Now. change those two judges out PERMANENTLY!"
Still, not everyone was a fan.
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"Ed Sheeran doesn't do it for me!" one person lashed out.
Another added: "I miss Lionel and Katy on American Idol, thankfully it’s only for a week."
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