‘American Idol’ Is Lionel Richie Leaving After Season 23?
There have been rumors that Lionel Richie will not be returning for American Idol Season 24. He has been a judge on the show for a while now. On the latest season, he was on the panel with Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood, who are both country music artists. So, he was the only one who may not have been rooting for the country artists to go far in the competition. Keep reading to find out more about this situation.
Judging Panel Was Good This Season, Maybe?
The judges on the panel this season were doing a good job. However, some people seemed to have a problem with the newest addition, Carrie Underwood. She is blunt and honest. However, the competition needed some of that from a judge. It has been said that the production team was not happy with Carrie because she ruffled a lot of feathers. Luke supposedly had to stand up for her each time she made someone upset. However, fans loved the newness she brought to the show and how she was as a judge. This was until she did not look happy that Jamal Roberts won the show.

American Idol Judge Lionel Richie Leaving After Season 23?
It has been rumored that Lionel Richie is not going to return to American Idol for Season 24. However, producers made it sound like they wanted to keep the panel the same.
“It’s early days still, but I love our panel. I think we’re in a good place. I’m excited for them to crown their first winner together as a threesome. They’re all passionate about the show. Obviously, American Idol is coming back as a show, and we already have thousands of submissions coming in for next season. We never share our hand before the end of the season, but it should be coming soon, and we’re excited about the show doing so well.”
They may want Lionel back, but it is unknown if he wants to return.

It seems as though it is a possibility that Lionel will not return. However, the producers say that he is passionate about the show. They made it sound like they wanted to keep the panel the same. However, it is unknown if this is what Lionel wants or if he wants out. Fans are excited to see if they change it up or keep it the same. What do you think is going to happen? Would you be sad if he left? Sound off in the comments below. We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation.
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Love how Lionel took hold of great music and I’m glad it wasn’t cowboy music.
Yes Some of the guys sang modern cowboy
But so glad John didn’t become the #1. To me he sounded the same 90+% of the time. There were other guys that were excellent at Cowboy music. When I grew up cowboys had a “twang” that was terrible. Today’s cowboy world doesn’t have that thank goodness.
I really like all the Judges this year. I’ve watched American Idle for years and truly enjoy it. I’m a much older woman and when I was 10 years old I fell in love with jazz and have loved it all my life. That’s why I think Lionel is #1 and wants to keep his music alive. Certainly hope Lionel stays!