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'Was this Lionel Richie's goodbye performance?' Fans worry as 'American Idol' judge delivers soul-bending rendition of 'Sail On' during finale

Lionel Richie's heartfelt rendition of 'Sail On' during finale raises concerns among fans

BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: On Sunday, May 21, episode of 'American Idol', the live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale features special performances from music luminaries and today’s top musicians, with the Top 3 candidates hitting the stage for the final time as America selects who will become the next 'American Idol'. As Judge Lionel Richie gave a soul-bending performance, viewers looked concerned that it would be the last time they saw the singer on the show's judging panel.

Just hours before the live 'American Idol' finals on ABC, judges and the show's host began to post on social media in an attempt to get viewers excited about who would win. Host Ryan Seacrest captioned a photo of his attire, "Channeling my inner Don Johnson. Can't wait to announce your new #AmericanIdol TONIGHT!" Ryan made a reference to his Florida costume for the finals, which included white trousers, a white T-shirt, and a teal jacket. He posed poolside with lights in the backdrop to show off his "Miami Vice" outfit.

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'Sail On'

Lionel, the 'Idol' judge, and musician, also turned to social media to say, "'Can you believe it's already time for the #IDOLFinale ?! Who is ready to meet the next #AmericanIdol tonight?" He ended his post with a hand-raising emoji. Lionel also shared some of his favorite season photos, including one of him behind the judge's stables and another of the three finalists.

As a video played featuring the best moments from season 21, Lionel on piano presented fans with a performance of the Commodores' 'Sail On'. Before finishing the song, Lionel invited the audience to join him and the Top 12 on stage.

'Nice to see Lionel Richie is singing again'

Soon after the judge's performance, fans showed some concern. One asked on Idol's Instagram page, "Was this Lionel’s goodbye performance?" Wishing to see more of the Idol judge, one wrote, "Wow! He still has it!! His voice is one of a kind!" Another wrote, "Should have sang ALL NIGHT LONG." One fan called him, "M absolute favourite JUDGE on American Idol. 💙🩵."

On Twitter, one fan wished, "I am hoping that you will be back as a judge again next year Lionel. Thank‘s for making this show very entertaining over the years." Making more demands, another tweeted, "It’s so nice to see Lionel Richie is singing again in American Idol! Hopping for a new album from him!"

'American Idol' will return between January and March of 2024, during the broadcast television midseason schedule.

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