Lionel Richie has some insightful advice for Carrie Underwood as she readies herself to take over Katy Perry’s position on the “American Idol” judging panel.
When Fox News Digital inquired about how he believes Underwood will differ from Perry, Richie responded, “Everyone is unique compared to Katy.”
Richie emphasized that he hopes Underwood won’t try to mimic Perry, as each judge brings their own distinct flavor to the panel.
‘AMERICAN IDOL’ ALUM CARRIE UNDERWOOD REPLACING KATY PERRY AS JUDGE NEXT SEASON
Lionel Richie speaks onstage at Reel To Reel: The Greatest Night in Pop Featuring Lionel Richie at Grammy Museum L.A. (Getty Images)
“There’s only one Katy… let me just clarify that,” Richie stated during the Grammy Museum’s special event, “The Greatest Night in Pop.”
“I want Carrie to step in and discover her own unique place out there, her own person. I’m thrilled they chose Carrie, as we desire someone who will shine their light brightly.”
Underwood triumphed in the fourth season of the popular show “American Idol” in 2005. (Getty Images)
Underwood emerged victorious in the fourth season of the renowned singing competition “American Idol,” which aired in 2005.
In 2018, Underwood lent her voice to the opening segment, and in the following year, she acted as a guest adviser.
WATCH: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ JUDGE LIONEL RICHIE GIVES ADVICE TO CARRIE UNDERWOOD
Lionel Richie wants Carrie Underwood to embrace her unique self while judging on “American Idol.” (Disney/Eric McCandless; NDZ/Star Max/GC Images)
The “All Night Long” artist expressed his excitement about Underwood joining the panel, stating she is “the ideal choice.”
“Carrie truly understands the essence of this experience. This is where she started… So, we warmly welcome her… Her presence on this show is going to be phenomenal,” Richie remarked.
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Underwood will join Richie and country star Luke Bryan on the judging panel for the new season of “American Idol.” Katy Perry left the show after seven seasons. (Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images)
The “Before He Cheats” artist will team up with Richie and country icon Luke Bryan on the judging panel for the upcoming season of “American Idol,” with auditions kicking off on August 12.
“She knows exactly what this journey entails… She’ll be in a great position to mentor all the way through, even guiding the winners,” Richie noted.
LIONEL RICHIE SAYS HIS ‘ALL NIGHT LONG’ IS ‘DOWN TO A FIERCE 15 MINUTES’
WATCH: LIONEL RICHIE REACTS TO ‘THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP’ EMMY NOMINATIONS
Richie also shared with Fox News Digital his feelings about “The Greatest Night in Pop” receiving an Emmy nomination.
The documentary details the extensive effort to unite a remarkable supergroup in an era without cell phones and emails.
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“The Greatest Night in Pop” is nominated for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special, and Richie couldn’t be happier with the project’s success. (Getty Images)
The group of artists — led by the song’s co-writers and two of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Richie and Michael Jackson — came together to record “We Are the World” on January 28, 1985.
“The Greatest Night in Pop” is nominated for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special, and Richie is absolutely delighted about the project’s achievements.
“Being able to showcase this and let the world see the behind-the-scenes process is incredibly rewarding for me,” Richie told Fox News Digital.
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