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'It was really cringe': 'American Idol' fans slam King Charles and Queen Camilla's 'awkward' cameo

King Charles and Queen Camilla made an appearance on 'American Idol' but fans were not pleased with the surprise cameo

BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Katy Perry and Lionel Richie were absent from 'American Idol' this week as they traveled to the United Kingdom to participate in King Charles' historic coronation. Though Katy and Lionel appeared live from Windsor Castle for a quick appearance, the usual judges were joined on the panel by some A-list substitutes this week, and the fans were taken aback.

On the May 7 episode of 'American Idol,' Luke Bryan was joined by substitute judges Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette. The Top 8 will perform a single by Alanis and a duet by Ed. Tonight, three contestants will be sent home. But, apart from learning who would make the Top 5 this season, viewers have another reason to tune in.

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'American Idol' gets a royal visit 

It wasn't your average 'American Idol' Sunday night. With judges Katy and Lionel away in England for King Charles' coronation, the ABC music competition show had to get inventive. Though Katy and Lionel made a quick appearance live from Windsor Castle, the usual judges were joined by some A-list substitutes this week.

Ed and Alanis filled in for regular judge Luke, providing analysis on the Top 8's live broadcasts. Ed also offered a unique performance in advance of the release of his new album, Subtract. Following Saturday's crowning ceremony at Westminster Abbey, Katy and Lionel performed at the official coronation concert for King Charles on Sunday.

"What a party, what a party, it was unbelievable," Lionel said from Windsor Castle. "We’re trying to figure out what can we do to bring something different to the show, so… I would like to…."

Katy and Lionel then took a step back as newly-crowned King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived, startling the 'American Idol' judges. "I just wanted to check how long you’ll be using this room for," King Charles asked Lionel. "We have to give up the room right away," Lionel said turning his face to the camera. "Thank you so much for your brilliant performance," the monarch said, "and Katy was wonderful," he added. 

Katy inquired whether they were making too much noise for them. Lionel reminded the King that he was holding a party and promised to come later.

'The Sausage King and his side piece'

Calling the cameo 'iconic' a viewer on Reddit wrote, "Whatever your thoughts on the monarchy the f*cking King and Queen of England on American Idol is pretty iconic." One fan wrote, "It was really cringe to me how much Lionel kept speaking over them." Another shocked viewer wrote, "I did not have the King of England doing a cameo on American Idol on my 2023 bingo card but here we are." One responded to the cameo saying, “A cringe cameo.” Another wrote, "King and Queen sighting lol didn’t expect that."

On Twitter, fans asked, "Didn’t realize how life and death American Idol is to the British: Ed Sheeran, just going through a mentally draining lawsuit days before: Here and ready to guest judge King Charles, literally just coronated: Here and ready to give the most awkward cameo ever." One questioned, "Curious that Englishman Ed Sheeran & Canadian Alannis Morrisette are on #AmericanIdol while Americans Lionel & Katy perform for King & Queen at #coronationconcert." Another viewer tweeted about the late Queen Elizabeth, "king charles queen would never do idol." One fan also wondered, "I was not expecting to see King Charles on American Idol. I also don’t quite understand why King Charles was on American Idol. Is this some Palace PR US media counterstrike?"

Seeing Ed on the show one fan quipped, "It's funny if you pay close attention; Ed Sheeran turned down King Charles's invitation to perform at the Coronation Concert but at the same time filled Lionel Richi’s position at American Idol so that he can perform there. Lol." While another asked, "Ed Sheeran can do "American Idol" but wouldn't sing for the King and fellow residents of the Commonwealth? That's wrong and so ungrateful. Ed Sheeran has lost my family as fans." One fan sobbed at the sight of the King, "Even the king is a part of American idol??? i fckn can't." Another person asked, "why is king charles on american idol."

Calling their appearance awkward one tweeted, "The Sausage King and his side piece just made an appearance on American Idol with Katy Perry and Lionel Ritchie and man it was so damn awkward. Lolol. Katy Perry kept bobbing up and down in a frantic curtsey. It was pretty gross."

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday and Monday at 8 pm ET on ABC.

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