Singer and “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie accepted a pitch from Jimmy Kimmel for who should replace Katy Perry as the third judge on the singing competition show.
When the late night host suggested they narrow it down between Madonna and Cyndi Lauper only to choose Madonna in the end, Richie jumped on the suggestion.
“Wow. Madonna, if you’re listening … call me,” Richie said. “We got to call.”
When Richie was initially asked who he’d like to see replace Perry, he demurred at drumming up a name, but he commented on the powerful experience of coaching younger, up-and-coming musicians.