American Idol season 17 has just recently ended, and it leaves the future of the judges in question. For Lionel Richie, he said that he wouldn't do American Idol season 18 without Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. But right now, it's not yet certain if the trio will, indeed, coming back in the next installment.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Richie said he'd got the greatest three personalities ever. He shared that he felt a little bit worried when he started doing the show with the group, and he kept telling "America, 'Pray for me.'" But now that he knows everybody and their characters, he said that he wouldn't do another show without them.
A lot of fans believed the trio has great chemistry together, especially because each of them represents something different in the music. Richie, Perry, and Bryan also have a lot of charisma, charm, and a good sense of humor - which all essential in a show.
Bryan also said they had an amazing two years together, and they have already developed their identities and roles, so they wanted to keep that going. For Perry, she said they are more on the same page this season compared to their first together, noting that it feels good they're getting to know each other.
While the future of American Idol season 18 is confirmed, the fate of the host Ryan Seacrest and the judges is not. There were reports that offers have been made and a source close to the production claims ABC is hoping that all of the show's talent will be back in the next season.
Meanwhile, the winner of the American Idol season 17 is Louisiana native Laine Hardy; he was crowned as the latest winner of the show on Sunday, May 19. Hardy becomes a contestant during the first season, but he was eliminated before he could even enter the Top 24.
Hardy reportedly has no intention joining American Idol for the second time, but when he accompanied his friend in her audition, the judges reportedly talked to him and gave him a golden ticket to the Hollywood.
Richie said that Hardy's success is like the "best master class." He explained that when a teacher said, "you're not ready," that doesn't necessarily mean your career is over - that only means you're not yet ready. Riche noted that Hardy is an example that he came back, and this time, he's ready.
