How old is Lionel Richie? Katy Perry trolls 'American Idol' judge over claims of being in college in 1998
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 judge Lionel Richie is currently 74 years old and will soon turn 75 in June. The ABC show judge was born on June 20, 1949. During the latest 'Trip back to Time' episode, the aspiring singers performed the song from their birth years, giving the judges a chance to recall what they were doing in the same year.
McKenna Breinhol graced the Idol stage with the 1998 song 'Iris' by Goo Goo Dolls. Katy Perry recalled her life in 1998 when she had her first boyfriend. She shared that she was enjoying shopping at Wet Seal, and had a Meg Ryan haircut at the time.
She told McKenna, "You just transported me to an incredible time." However, Lionel chimed in and quipped that he was in college in 1998, to which Katy quickly joked, "No you just had your first child." Lionel welcomed his son Miles Brockman Richie in 1994 and his first daughter, Sofia Richie Grainge, with Diane Alexander in 1998.
Katy Perry slams Luke Bryan for criticizing Mia Matthews amid lyrics mishap
Katy Perry slammed Luke Bryan after he called out Mia Matthews for a lyrics mishap. During the episode, Mia performed Shania Twain's song, 'No One Needs to Know.' Mia messed up her performance and forgot the lyrics. Luke gave the feedback by complimenting her performance.
He told the aspiring singer that he loved the "commercial-ability" that Mia would eventually have in the world of country music. Luke further noted, "Now I just think it's about you getting comfortable being a bunch of different characters within country [music]."
Luke then criticized her performance and noted, "And I know you may have forgotten the words a couple of times but..." Katy then angrily interrupted Luke's feedback and noted, "Nobody needed to know that!" Katy added, "She was acting so well. You blew her spot up!"
Lionel Richie reflects on his dream replacement for Katy Perry
'American Idol' judge Lionel Richie has a recommendation for Katy Perry's replacement. In a recent interview with Fox News, Lionel noted, "Katy's great. In the first season, she made me turn into my mom and dad and grandma so fast, 'Like what are you doing? You can't do that in public.'"
He went on to compliment Katy, "Everything that was adult came out of me. I realized this lady was out of control. Then Luke would come in and say some stuff. Then I started thinking about my reputation. But then we got to the point where it settled in, I became Papa Bear and I have the children."
Lionel then revealed that he want Taylor Swift to replace Katy in the upcoming season of the ABC show. He said, "Taylor Swift, if you're listening out there, this is a wonderful place to stay." He added, "Luke and I would love to have you join us."
'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC.
