American Idol Judges Hype Up Hollywood Week
Ahead of the Hollywood Week episodes which begins on Sunday (April 2), American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan were in New York City on this week promoting the show. The trio stopped by Live With Kelly and Ryan, Good Morning America and The View to talk about what fans can expect next.
On GMA, Katy describes Hollywood week as the round when “It gets real.” Host Robin Roberts ran a clip from Sunday’s episode, which features viral sensation Iam Tongi wowing the judges with an acoustically soulful version of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” His audition has amassed over 150 MILLION VIEWS since it aired on the February premiere.
“We’re looking for characters…forget singers”
Regarding this year’s talent, Lionel says, “Every time we think we’ve saturated the whole thing, they show up for another season and it gets better.” He adds, “We’re teaching them what we’re looking for. We’re Looking for characters. Forget singers. What character are you going to bring. Because that’s what you fall in love with.”
Luke enjoys sending contestants to Hollywood week and watching them grow. “Sometimes these kids don’t come in polished…They don’t have confidence. It’s fun giving them confidence.”
American Idol alums return for Hollywood Week, Katy hints Clay Aiken is INTENSE
Katy mentions that American Idol alums will come in to help mentor the contestants. “…to show them the ropes and to…get them into shape real quick.” She adds, ‘Hollywood week is survival of the fittest.” She mentions that Clay Aiken’s critiquing is particularly…intense. He’ll be joined by David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks, Phillip Phillips, Catie Turner, Justin Guarini and Noah Thompson.
Host Ryan Seacrest sat for a separate interview with GMA’s George Stephanopoulos. He talked about leaving Live with Kelly and Ryan next month. Later that day, Stephanopoulos’ wife Ali Wentworth would be guest hosting with him. On the schedule also: The Idol judges drop by. A few minutes in, though, the judges crash the interview!
Katy Read a Hollywood Contestant the Riot Act
The judges sat with the hosts on The View. In the interview, Luke hyped Ian Tongi again. He hints that Katy read the riot act to one of the contestants, but fans will have to wait until Sunday to find out more about it. Katy says, “I stick up for those underdogs. We have so much respect for music and for the game. When someone is not taking it respectfully, we call it out.”
On Live with Kelly and Ryan, the judges join co-host Ryan Seacrest for a game of “Insta Clue Game” with involves the cast identifying each other’s Instagram pictures.
American Idol Hollywood Week airs Sunday April 2 and Monday April 3 on ABC at 8 pm ET/PT
