Lionel Richie Headed to American Idol Judges Panel? Ryan Seacrest Expected to Sign Deal

More American Idol reboot rumors.

TMZ reports that American Idol is considering 70’s and 80’s R&B/pop star Lionel Richie for a seat at the judges panel along the $25 million dollar budget-buster, Katy Perry.

“American Idol” has its sights set on judge #2 for the reboot … and we’re told it’s Lionel Richie.

‘A.I.’ sources tell TMZ … producers think Richie’s legendary music career makes him a perfect pick … credibility and a knack for honing in on what will become popular. Richie is also extremely outgoing, which makes for good TV.

We don’t know if the ‘A.I.’ folks have formally reached out to Richie. We contacted Richie’s people, but so far they’re mum.

TMZ has been posting any bit of American Idol gossip they can dredge up. This sounds more like the result of a producers brainstorming session. Richie’s people may not have even been contacted yet? Hm.

In any case, hiring Richie would be just so…2003. Sure he’s a legend, but does he know anything about contemporary music? I think the panel should be filled out with an Industry person and an American Idol alum. The end.

ETA:  I would prefer Lionel as a guest mentor rather than as a judge. 

TMZ also reported a few days ago that Ryan Seacrest was expected to sign his deal to host the show. Reportedly, the network offered $10 million, Seacrest wanted $15 million and they “compromised somewhere in between, but closer to $10M than $15M.”

About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!