AMERICAN Idol fans have shared their concern for Lionel Richie after his performance in the show finale.
Viewers claimed it sounded like the 73-year-old singer’s voice had “changed” as he performed with the Top 12 contestants on Sunday night.
Instagram/Lionel RichieAmerican Idol fans have shared their concern for Lionel Richie after his performance in the show finale[/caption]
Instagram/Lionel RichieViewers claimed it sounded like the 73-year-old singer’s voice had ‘changed’[/caption]
Lionel belted out his hit song, Sail On, with the previous contestants onstage.
The Easy hitmaker started off singing while playing the piano, before being joined by the competition’s eliminated stars.
While many Idol fans praised Lionel’s act, some claimed that he sounded different.
One wrote on Instagram, “His voice has changed,” and another added: “I like the old Lionel Ritchie.”
A third asked: “Is it just me or does he sound different?”
Others defended The Commodores star, however, with one viewer enthusing: “Still has a beautiful voice! Awesome performance.”
Lionel also faced backlash over his singing abilities during his performance at King Charles III Coronation earlier this month.
One viewer asked at the time: “What the hell has happened to Lionel’s voice?”
“What has happened to Lionel Richie? Has he died and been replaced? Sounds nothing like him,” another added.
Lionel subtly clapped back at the criticism hours later by saying that he was proud of his act.
LIONEL HITS OUT
In an Instagram Story, Lionel shared a video of his high-profile performance.
The nine-minute-long clip showed him in a black and white outfit as he sat at a piano and kicked things off with a live performance of his hit song Easy.
In the audience, King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen watching intently, while many other audience members sang along and danced to the song.
Lionel captioned his post: “All night long at Windsor Castle England,” referencing another of his chart-topping tracks.
Katy Perry joined Lionel in reporting from the UK during the coronation of King Charles.
At one point, the co-hosts even welcomed the newly-crowned King on their live broadcast.
The duo was replaced on the American Idol judging panel by Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morrisette during their time away.
The temporary panel members were praised for their judging duties, with some fans even suggesting they stay on the panel permanently.
Instagram/Lionel RichieHe performed with the top 12 contestants[/caption]
AFPLionel faced similar backlash about his singing skills during the coronation concert earlier this month[/caption]
