logo
Getty Images.
Getty Images.

Lionel Richie Gets Brutally Honest with 'American Idol' Contestant and His Chance of Making It in Hollywood

Odette Odendaal
Feb 18, 2020
01:30 P.M.

An "American Idol" contestant got the candidly blunt end of judge Lionel Richie's opinion when the young man's audition didn't quite go according to plan.

Advertisement

Fellow judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan looked stunned as Lionel Richie spoke his mind in an exclusive clip shared of the upcoming season from the popular talent show.

LIONEL DROPS THE BOMB

 Lionel Richie attends the Paul Smith Honors John Legend dinner on May 14, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images.

Lionel Richie attends the Paul Smith Honors John Legend dinner on May 14, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images.

The young man had just finished his audition when Lionel Richie told him that they have a "big problem" because he doesn't like him.

Stating his reasons, the 70-year-old singer couldn't find one good thing about the young man's performance or the way he presented himself, as he said:

"I don’t like your voice. I’m being very honest. I don’t like your attitude. And I don’t really think you’re going to make it in Hollywood.”

Advertisement

Luke Bryan let out a sigh while Katy Perry called out Lionel's name in an attempt to get his attention but to no avail.

Advertisement

NOT THE NORM

Lionel's bold statement had everyone at a loss for words, but in general, the judges taper down on "constructive criticism," especially with only a few rounds to go with audition rounds firmly in the rearview.

Advertisement

After the announcement of the Top 8 contestants last year, Katy Perry explained that once the voting stage of the talent show starts, that they dial back on comments to avoid influencing how people vote, as she reportedly said:

“That’s why we like to be, sometimes, a little vague with our constructive criticism because I think we still have influence a bit."

LIONEL KEEPS THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS COMING

Advertisement

While Lionel's response to the young man's audition caught Katy and Luke by surprise, a recent accomplishment of Lionel's had been a long time coming.

After releasing his latest live album, "Hello from Las Vegas" last year, Lionel dominated the top of the chart and came in second on the Billboard 200.

According to Billboard, its Lionel's sixth solo album to feature on Billboard 200's Top 10, one of only three other solo artists to debut at No. 1 of the Artist 100 chart, including Frank Ocean, the legendary David Bowie, and Future.

TOUGH LOVE FOR HIS CHILDREN AS WELL

Lionel Richie and Sofia Richie attend the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 4, 2018, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images.

Lionel Richie and Sofia Richie attend the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 4, 2018, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images.

Lionel isn't afraid of speaking his mind, nor is he of dishing out tough love to his children. During an "American Idol" event earlier this month, Lionel Richie said that he wished his daughter Sofia "lots of failure young," when she told him of her wish to follow in his footsteps.

Having been in the industry for decades, Lionel knows what it takes to reach the top, and getting used to being "smacked in the face" is one of them. The quicker Sofia learns to recover from her setbacks, the better for her progress towards her dreams.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Lionel Richie Has a New Grandchild on the Way — Gender and Pregnancy Term Finally Revealed

January 26, 2024

Sofia Richie Cradles Her Baby Bump in Green Overalls in First Public Appearance after Pregnancy News

February 01, 2024

Sofia Richie Cradles Her Baby Bump in Green Overalls in First Public Appearance after Pregnancy News

January 31, 2024

How Simon Cowell, Who Barely Recognized Himself Once, Would Look Today If He Never Used Fillers

December 12, 2023

These 5 Girls Are '90s Idols and One of Whom Is Married to a Famous Soccer Player – Quiz

December 20, 2023

Beyoncé’s Airman Uncle Dies & Fans Pray for Her Family: Details

February 27, 2024

The Shangri-Las Singer Mary Weiss Passes Away at 75 – Details

January 21, 2024

Celebrities’ Christmas Outfits: Christmas Tree Costume, ‘Phoenix’ Shoes & Sleeveless Santa Coat

November 22, 2023

Billy Joel 'Became a Homey' with His Love & Their Young Daughters after 3 Unsuccessful Marriages

December 26, 2023

Mariah Carey's Fans Are in Awe of Her in White Mini-Dress and Thigh-High Boots at 54 in New Pics

November 21, 2023

Gold Digger Mocks Shop Assistant, but Life Hits Her Back – Story of the Day

March 20, 2024

'Modern Family': What Happened to the Actors after the Show and Why Fans Are Worried about Ty Burrell

November 23, 2023

Gold Digger Humiliates Shop Assistant, but Life Hits Her Back – Story of the Day

December 27, 2023

Casting Director Shames Black Musician — Story of the Day

January 12, 2024