AMERICAN Idol’s Katy Perry and Lionel Richie have some big celebrities taking their place on the judges’ panel after fans pleaded for the pair to be fired from the show.
The duo recently caused an uproar from viewers over their unpopular opinions and comments on the program.
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However, fans will see new faces joining fellow judge Luke Bryan this month while Katy and Lionel are set to perform at King Charles III’s coronation at Windsor Castle in New England on May 7.
In an exclusive interview with ET over the weekend, Luke, 46, teased who will fill in for his co-stars, promising they’re “big-time” names.
“It’s big time. It’s big time. The people that we have filling in, contestants have used their songs many, many times. A lot more than mine!” Luke explained.
The country singer didn’t provide further details, though fans are eager for the change-up following the recent backlash Katy and Lionel have received.
KATY’S BEHAVIOR
Katy, 38, has come under fire numerous times for her treatment of the show’s contestants, leading fans to suggest she be replaced.
Last week, the Fireworks singer was accused of behaving rudely toward Top 12 contestant Wé Ani after Wé was picked last and didn’t receive feedback from Katy following her performance.
Viewers thought Katy was being “unprofessional” and “doing Wé dirty” by looking shocked that she got through to the top 12.
One wrote in an online thread: “Katy was hands down rude from the face she made (that at first I read as disbelief over Wé’s incredible performance), to go on and on about voting for your favorite contestant. It was incredibly unprofessional.”
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Another added: “Wé treated rudely. After her performance, instead of giving feedback, Katy reminds everyone how important it is to vote.
“Um. Hello. Can you give this poor girl her feedback first? Katy’s comment sounded like she was saying, jeez America, why’d you vote this girl through. So unprofessional and unfair.”
A third posted: “I totally had the same interpretation as you. I love Wé and just thought the judges, Katy especially, did her dirty. Her expression was definitely WTF.”
Yet another fan commented: “Did anyone else think Katy was rude to Wé Ani last night? She seemed shocked that she was picked.”
This isn’t the first time Katy has been called out for her behavior on the ABC singing competition.
Earlier that month she was accused of “leaving out” fellow judge Lionel and for “talking over him.
Katy was also slammed for scolding two competitors and eliminating a contestant that fans felt deserved to stay.
Meanwhile, during the auditions rounds, she was accused of “mom-shaming” a contestant with her “hurtful” and “embarrassing” comments.
‘TIME FOR A CHANGE’
Lionel, 73, also hasn’t been winning over fans as many are vying for him to get the boot as well.
After a recent episode, devoted Idol viewers complained about the show’s lack of critique on an online message board and asked if they could “please” get new judges.
One user wrote: “Between their terrible saves, their constant praise of mediocrity, and standing for every act (I’ve never seen judges more guilty of this than these Idol judges), I think it’s time for a change.”
Another commented: “New producers and judges. They’re obviously told they can’t criticize anyone.”
A third agreed: “At this point, I wouldn’t even call them judges, since they don’t really “judge” performances anymore.”
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