American Idol Judge Lionel Richie Reflects on Contestants Singing His Songs in Auditions -

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Legendary singer-songwriter Lionel Richie recently shared his thoughts on the experience of hearing contestants perform his songs during auditions. In a March 5 interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the American Idol judge revealed the mixed emotions he and other artists feel when hopefuls showcase their talents using his music.

“They think it’s to compliment us, but some days we’re praying, ‘Please God, just let them be able to sing it,’” Richie candidly admitted, offering insight into the pressure that comes with auditioning in front of the original artist.

The Hello and Endless Love hitmaker explained that while some contestants truly shine with their renditions, others struggle, making the experience unpredictable. “And sometimes they nail it and sometimes it goes south real fast,” Richie remarked, highlighting the risks involved in performing iconic songs in high-stakes settings.

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Richie, a judge of American Idol since 2018, has witnessed countless auditions over the years. His comments reflect that tackling well-known classics, especially those originally performed by legendary artists, is a double-edged sword for aspiring singers. While it can impress judges and captivate audiences, it can also expose vocal weaknesses or stylistic mismatches, leading to an early exit from the competition.

This isn’t the first time Richie has spoken about the challenges of covering his music. Over the years, he has expressed appreciation for those who bring originality and passion to their performances but has also acknowledged the difficulties in doing justice to his carefully crafted melodies and emotional depth.