American Idol Reportedly Has Their Sights Set On Lionel Richie To Judge! Wait, WTF?!

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Lionel Richie seems to be the man of the hour for the folks over at American Idol: a new report out this morning alleges that he may in fact be the top pick for a judge spot on the show, to go alongside Katy Perry and an as-yet-unnamed third judge!

Really, though?!?!

Nothing against Richie — he's just… past his prime a bit?! Perry is a younger star, Ryan Seacrest obviously has that whole hosting thing down pat considering the original version of the show is where he got his start, but Lionel Richie?!?!?!?

It seems so… random???

But according to the report, it may not be random — and here's why: word has it that production execs had a closed-door, two-hour meeting with Richie earlier this week and they loved everything about him.

They loved "his vibe" so much that they think not only would he be perfect for the show, but that he would be a perfect second "nice" judge alongside Perry, and they can both share warm fuzzy sentiments to contestants.

Now, that means the show will likely need a mean judge — Simon Cowell, listen up — but if Richie really did impress execs as much as reports allege, well, he may be a done deal.