Plus, how his daughter Nicole Richie ‘almost killed him’ with her reality TV career

AMERICAN Idol judge and iconic singer Lionel Richie has revealed one show rule he is guilty of breaking in his new memoir.

Lionel’s memoir, Truly, which will be released on September 30, details the performer’s life from his upbringing in Tuskegee, Alabama to his role as a judge on ABC’s American Idol.

5
Lionel Richie on American IdolCredit: Getty

5
Lionel wrote about his time on American Idol in his new memoirCredit: Disney
In an excerpt exclusively obtained by The U.S . Sun, Lionel, 76, revealed how he almost turned down the opportunity to find the next generation of singers.

In 2018, Lionel explained how he was approached to be a judge on the ABC reboot.

Lionel was hesitant at first, as he didn’t want to follow in his daughter Nicole Richie’s footsteps by appearing on reality TV.

But when another call came in, he learned Katy Perry, who had already been chosen as a judge, had recommended him.

When asked to recommend a third judge, Lionel’s first thought was country singer Luke Bryan.

He explained the set as the “absolute time of my life,” as the group, including host Ryan Seacrest, had “great chemistry.”

Lionel then explained how his fellow judges were “always amazed” that he would give a “no” that “doesn’t come across as a rejection.”

He explained how his best moments are when he sees his contestants walk into auditions and remind him of himself.

He then penned how he tries to “pass the torch of wisdom” and asks “a lot” of the contestants on the show.

Lionel then revealed one rule on-set that he is guilty of breaking.

“Compassion is a practice,” he began. “It’s taking the time to thank the entire crew, to shake hands with security staff and janitorial services, and to take selfies too.

“It’s why I break the rules and go hug the contestant who has just slayed me with the beauty and pain of a song written for a father recently passed.”

5
Lionel revealed former judge Katy Perry recommended himCredit: Getty

DOTING DAD

Also in the memoir, Lionel raved about his children Sofia, 27, and Miles, 31, with his ex-wife Diane Alexander.

He also spoke about his oldest daughter Nicole, 44, with first wife Brenda Harvey.

Lionel talks about adopting Nicole, whose birth parents are Peter Michael Escovedo III and Karen Moss, with Brenda.

But he admits when her and friend Paris Hilton were in talks for reality show The Simple Life, she was “already trying to kill” him.

He said of co-parenting with ex Brenda, “…Lawd, have mercy, what hell awaited us as we tried to agree on the path of how best to raise a kid after The Simple Life made Paris and Nicole household names.

“We had no training for the daunting job of making sure our daughter would survive in Hollywood, California, as a star on a reality TV show.

“We had years of train wrecks to anticipate.”

American Idol Judges

Although Ryan Seacrest has been the host for all 22 seasons, the judges have changed drastically throughout

Simon Cowell – Seasons 1- 9

Paula Abdul – Seasons 1- 9

Randy Jackson – Season 1 to 12

Kara DioGuardi – Seasons 8-9

Ellen DeGeneres – Season 9

Jennifer Lopez – Seasons 10-11, 13-15

Steven Tyler – Seasons 10-11

Mariah Carey – Season 12

Nicki Minaj – Season 12

Keith Urban – Seasons 12-15

Harry Connick Jr. – Seasons 13-15

The show was canceled after 15 seasons, but was rebooted a few years later with new judges:

Katy Perry – Seasons 16- 22

Lionel Richie – Seasons 16 to present

Luke Bryan – Seasons 16 to present

Carrie Underwood – Season 23 to present

LIONEL’S LIFE

Lionel rose to fame with his music career, singing hits including Easy, Endless Love, All Night Long, We Are The World and more.

His book also touches on his rise with band The Commodores and their breakup, two divorces, friendship with Michael Jackson and other moments in his life.

Lionel is currently a judge on ABC’s American Idol, which now stars Carrie Underwood after Katy left in 2024 after 7 seasons.

5
Lionel with his three children, Nicole, Sofia and MilesCredit: Getty

5
Lionel Richie with his Commodores bandmatesCredit: Getty