In anticipation of the Feb. 16 premiere of American Idol, on ABC, judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and in-house mentor Bobby Bones celebrated the new season at The Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles earlier today with a red carpet, surprise performance from last season’s winner, Laine Hardy, and a moderated discussion. Check out the gallery of photos from the event below.
Additionally, Luke, Katy and Lionel dropped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to talk up the new season. In the clip, Katy shares that after the network hired her, she ran into Lionel at an event. His stories were so good, she suggested him as a judge to producers. And in turn, during his interview for the job, Lionel suggested they hire Luke.
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About midway through the clip, the 2nd segment opens up with an audition preview. Unfortunately, it’s a joke audition–a singer croons about sardines (or something) as she strums away on a guitar. Katy calls Lionel “the undertaker” because he’s the best at delivering bad news to untalented hopefuls such as the sardines girl. He tries not to leave them “broken.” Katy reminds Jimmy that they aren’t mean, “This is American Idol on ABC,” she jokes.
In other news: Lionel and Luke aren’t invited to Katy’s wedding to actor Orlando Bloom because, she says, “I can’t afford them!” Watch Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on Live with Jimmy Kimmel below.
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