“American Idol” is being resurrected on ABC, and so is the public prominence of Lionel Richie. He’ll be a judge.
The 1984 Olympic Closing Ceremony singer (“All Night Long”) is old enough at 68 to be the father of fellow judges Katy Perry, 34, and Luke Bryan, 41.
EOnline said the panel will make its first joint appearance Oct. 4 on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Auditions for the once-famed Fox reality show were set soon, “and the time was winding down to fill the highly coveted (and lucrative) judges’ seats,” Eonline said. “Perry’s position was nailed down in May.”
Country music star Bryan was stoked by his selection.
“I’m so excited and proud to announce that I will be one of the three judges,” Bryan said. In a video he posted on social media, Bryan called Richie his “hero.”
It’s official. @AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/930zc5YB2Z
— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) September 29, 2017
Richie said: “As a singer, songwriter and producer, I feel I can bring a great deal of experience to the table. It’s going to be so much fun!”
TWO new judges are crashing the #AmericanIdol party! Say HELLO to @LionelRichie and @LukeBryanOnline! pic.twitter.com/MzjsuVyVpY
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) September 29, 2017
So who wants to start the @americanidol group chat? @katyperry @lukebryanonline @lionelrichie #TheNextIdol
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) September 29, 2017
I was ALL eyes and ears before this announcement. Now, I am perched baby! Love me some @LionelRichie #TheNextIdol pic.twitter.com/BryioOiG2I
— Megan Telles (@mtelles) September 29, 2017