Just a few weeks ago, Katy Perry said goodbye to her role as a judge on American Idol after dedicating almost six years to the show.
Coincidentally, Lionel Richie, her co-judge on the program, revealed that he was driving when he first learned about the "Fireworks" singer's unexpected departure during his recent guest
appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
'American Idol' Shock
Upon hearing the surprising news, Lionel Richie chuckled to the talk show host, "I'm not mad. It just made me run off the road when I first heard about it," he said jokingly to Jimmy. "My phone blew up."
Per OK magazine, the talented singer also admitted that he had been unaware of Katy Perry's intention to step away from the popular singing contest, but what the "I Kissed A Girl" songstressed decided "made sense" to him.
"In other words, I love coming on the show with you and doing American Idol because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things that I've done," the "Hello" crooner explained.
"And so when Katy says, 'I want to go and create some stories,' remember, she's young. But the point is that she must take some time and be an artist," he added.
Lionel also playfully hinted at the potential successor to Katy in the judge's seat, revealing that executives were maintaining secrecy but assuring everyone that the choice would be intriguing.
"Only because, I'm telling you something, this is a great show. And what I love most of all is that we're artists, so we know what we're talking about, and these kids are scared to death, so I love sitting there as the wise poo-bahs, the three of us, and we're sitting there, and we're all kind of giving information that we know is real."
He concluded, "So whoever's coming on the show has got to be, well, to come past Katy, you've gotta be humorous forever, and, on top of that, knowledgeable."
Katy Perry Leaving 'American Idol'
Early this month, Katy Perry officially announced that she is considering stepping down after this season as a judge on "American Idol."
The mother of one said, "I mean I love Idol so much. It's connected me with 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? I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music."
