Katy Perry thinks Carrie Underwood is right choice for American Idol
Katy Perry doesn't think 'American Idol' could have asked for a better judge than newcomer Carrie Underwood.
Katy Perry thinks Carrie Underwood is the ideal person to judge 'American Idol'.
The 40-year-old singer announced her departure from the judging panel last year and it later emerged the country singer - who shot to fame after winning the fourth season of the singing competition in 2005 - would be replacing her, and the 'Teenage Dream' hitmaker believes there is no one better qualified.
Katy told People magazine: "She was born on that show. I think she knows how to steer it.
"She actually truly knows... What it feels like to be in their shoes. We could only metaphorically feel that as judges.
"As artists, we've been in some sort of their shoes, but she has lived every single day. So I think she's going to have a lot to offer anyone that's willing to listen."
Fellow judge Lionel Richie recently praised Carrie as a “great” addition to the panel.
He told E! News: "It makes a lot of sense. It’s not someone we have to get used to. And the fact that she has a great story, she came from ‘American Idol’.
"What a great judge, now we don't have to explain anymore, 'We know how you feel.' As artists, we know how you feel, but we've never been in that oval that says, 'American Idol.' She's been there, done that."
Meanwhile, third panelist Luke Bryan joked Carrie will need to “up her therapist” as a result of working with them.
Asked what advice he has for Carrie, the 48-year-old star said in a TikTok video: "Up her therapist. If she has a therapist, she’s probably going to have to double to deal with me and Lionel."
Luke subsequently joked that he was happy to assist his new co-star.
Luke quipped: "Do therapists do gift cards where I can call her therapist and gift her a voucher?"
The 'Before He Cheats' hitmaker has explained she wants to be "kind" when offering her feedback to the hopefuls, but insisted she will still be "honest and constructive".
Speaking during a surprise appearance at SiriusXM’s ‘Music Row Happy Hour in Las Vegas’, she said: "I think I can be honest and constructive, but still kind. And I think that’s the whole point, because people are coming in and it’s dreams. You’re part of somebody’s story from that moment on."
