Lionel Richie Reveals What He Thinks Of Katy Perry’s American Idol Replacement Carrie Underwood While Welcoming Her To ‘The Ham Sandwich Squad’

Lionel Richie Reveals What He Thinks Of Katy Perry's  American Idol Replacement Carrie Underwood While Welcoming Her To 'The Ham Sandwich Squad'

As a longtime admirer of American Idol and its transformative impact on both contestants and viewers alike, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of excitement at the news that Carrie Underwood is joining the judges’ panel for Season 23. Having witnessed her meteoric rise from humble Idol contestant to global superstar, I can attest to her undeniable talent and unparalleled understanding of what it takes to succeed in this high-stakes competition.


As the news broke that Katy Perry was stepping down from American Idol to concentrate on her music, speculation swirled about who could potentially take her place as a judge. Fans and even fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan tossed around potential candidates. Meanwhile, producers kept tight-lipped about the possibility. In a surprising twist, it was announced that Carrie Underwood, who won Idol herself, would join the show. Now, Richie is already extending a warm welcome to the newcomer or “the ham sandwich squad.” As a fellow gamer and music enthusiast, I can’t wait to see how this season unfolds with Carrie on board!

Carrie Underwood emerged victorious in Season 4 of “American Idol” back in 2005. Since then, she’s made some return appearances. However, this upcoming season marks her debut as a regular judge on the talent show. It seems like this role has been a long-awaited opportunity for her. Lionel Richie, who joined the judging panel with the ABC revival in 2018, spoke to E! News about the newest member of the team, and his sentiments are quite genuine:

It’s quite logical. She’s not someone new or unfamiliar. Moreover, her background is captivating – she was a contestant on American Idol.

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve got to say, I’ve been following the career of this country superstar for quite some time. Naturally, given her extensive history with American Idol, she’s got a solid grasp of what it takes to not just win, but also make a deep run in the competition. Although things might have shifted a bit since her days on the show, the “Jesus, Take the Wheel” crooner has almost two decades of professional experience tucked under her belt. She’s one of the most recognized American Idol alumni, and with that kind of pedigree, she’d certainly have some valuable insights to share with aspiring singlers navigating their way through the competition, as Lionel Richie so astutely observed.

“As creators, we understand your emotions, but we haven’t sat on the judging panel for American Idol like you have. Yet, she has.”

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel excited about the upcoming changes on American Idol. With Katy Perry’s departure, Carrie Underwood steps into the spotlight, and I have no doubt that she will charm us in no time. The dynamic between her, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan is going to be a delightful spectacle. Carrie, nestled comfortably between these two legends, promises an intriguing trio. It’s a transition that Lionel himself is eagerly anticipating, and he aptly likened our new judging panel to a symphony: a harmonious blend of voices, ready to captivate us with their unique melodies.

Just be a ham sandwich like the two of us. Welcome to the ham sandwich squad.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but draw comparisons! Truthfully, it feels like hearing Adele’s iconic voice again as we welcome Carrie Underwood back to the American Idol family, this time in a new role. Time will tell how she fares in her fresh position, but with her expertise and talent, I’ve got high hopes she’ll make an excellent judge and a thoughtful addition to the “ham sandwich squad.”

American Idol Season 23 will not be part of the 2024 TV schedule, as it’s set to premiere midseason in 2025. But, with auditions starting up soon, it shouldn’t be long until the trio of judges starts posting photos from set to get fans excited. I can already tell it’s going to be a fun season, and Carrie Underwood’s hiring just makes me all the more pumped!

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2024-08-07 19:40